New Product Development Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Oversee product development, managing the complete new product development (NPD) process from initial concept to commercialization.

• Direct and oversee critical paths that facilitate pipeline development across various markets.

• Manage the innovation pipeline for EMEA, encompassing food, beverages, packaging, and equipment.

• Recognize opportunities to disseminate best practices throughout the organization.

• Oversee category management for designated food items, packaging, and equipment.

• Source, qualify, and integrate suppliers in accordance with the Wingstop model.

• Strategically outline the sourcing plan for the next 1-3 years, aligned with the NPD and development pipeline.

• Deliver Limited Time Offers (LTOs), permanent additions to the menu, and innovations tailored to specific markets.

• Ensure all innovations adhere to Wingstop's global brand standards and flavor-first approach.

• Lead negotiations with suppliers, manage contracts, and oversee performance in alignment with regional and global frameworks.

• Implement Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices, including Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Ensure that suppliers comply with Wingstop's operational and product standards, maintaining full transparency and due diligence.

• Serve as the central project lead, collaborating with the Global Innovation Team, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Global Development, International Brand Partners, and Suppliers.

• Coordinate timelines, manage dependencies, and ensure projects progress to deliver launches punctually and within budget.

• Create supplier briefs outlining innovation opportunities for suppliers.

• Oversee supplier development from concept through to production.

• Coordinate product trials and factory testing.

• Identify emerging ingredient trends and new supplier capabilities.

• Foster strong partnerships that promote innovation.

• Manage categories for core products and suppliers.

• Ensure restaurant testing, operational validation, equipment compatibility, crew training requirements, build times, food quality standards, and waste optimization are met.

• Support the long-term innovation roadmap by monitoring food trends across EMEA and beyond, identifying whitespace opportunities, tracking competitor activities, and introducing new flavors and product ideas.

• Own the stage-gate NPD process, including project plans, risk management, cross-functional updates, gate approvals, launch documentation, and post-launch evaluations.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in New Product Development within the QSR, food manufacturing, or hospitality sectors.

• Proven experience managing projects across various functions.

• Strong comprehension of food development and commercialization processes.

• Experience collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers.

• Excellent skills in stakeholder management.

• Strong capabilities in project management.

• Highly organized with outstanding attention to detail.

• Comfortable managing multiple product launches concurrently.

• Data-driven with solid commercial insight.

• Ability to influence without having direct authority.

• Global perspective and a desire to think universally across all aspects of the Wingstop business.

• Experience in multiple international markets.

• Familiarity with supporting franchise operations.

• Knowledge of food legislation applicable in Europe and the Middle East.

• Experience in packaging development.

• Understanding of food manufacturing processes.

• Prince2 or other project management certification.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical coverage

• Dental coverage

• Vision coverage

• Life insurance

• Income Protection

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Business Travel Medical