Product Development Manager

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Who We Are

At Golden Bake, we play as one team. Based in Coolock, Dublin 17, we’re a proudly Irish-owned food manufacturer producing delicious ready-to-bake products for customers across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and beyond.

Since 1987, our team has grown to over 130 strong, operating from a 100,000 sq ft facility—including a brand new, state-of-the-art production space—with the capability to produce up to 50,000 products per hour.

Every player in our team—from production to support—has a role in delivering excellence. Our values shape how we work, how we treat each other, and how we grow together. No egos, no passengers — just one committed and united team.

For four years in a row, we’re proud to be recognised as a Great Place To Work certified company — a recognition we’ve earned thanks to the trust, pride, and supportive culture shared across our team. It reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.

What We Need Help With

We’re looking for a Product Development Manager to lead our innovation agenda and manage the development of new and existing frozen ready-to-bake product lines—from mainstream favourites to exciting new concepts—for branded and customer brand retail, in-store bakery, and food service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the NPD function: Manage the product development team to deliver set priorities aligned with business strategy.
• Innovation & Concept Development: Drive ideation and development of new products based on market trends, customer briefs, and consumer insights.
• Project Management: Oversee the execution of multiple projects from concept to launch, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with procurement, production, commercial, and technical teams to ensure successful scale-up and launch.
• Customer Engagement: Represent Golden Bake in customer meetings, presentations, sample submissions and technical handovers.
• Technical Oversight: Ensure compliance with food safety, GMP, and internal standards throughout development.
• Production Trials: lead production trials to validate product and process.
• Raw Material Validation: Approve raw materials, ensuring technical suitability .
• Data & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of formulations, trials, and specifications; provide regular progress updates to senior management.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.

Essential Requirements

• Proven significant experience in food product development leadership, ideally in bakery or frozen food.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to translate trends into profitable products.
• Degree in Baking & Pastry Arts Management, Food Science, Food Technology, Food Product Development or related discipline.
• Passion for food and innovation, with a hands-on approach when needed.
• Have an adventurous palate, to facilitate the assessment of the flavour and texture of foods.
• Willingness to travel.
• Knowledge of sensory analysis, shelf-life testing, and plant trials.
• Experience in laminated pastry, cookies and/or industrial-scale bakery is desirable.
• Familiarity with retailer engagement and private label development is desirable.

Job Details

• Location: Coolock, Dublin 17
• Working Hours: 40 Hours, Monday to Friday
• Salary: Depending on experience
• Contract Type: Full-time, permanent

Benefits

• Bonus opportunity linked to KPI's
• Bike to work scheme
• Company events
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• What is your current notice period/availability to start?
• What is your salary expectation?

Work Location: In person