A leading food manufacturer is seeking a talented and driven Product Developer to join their dynamic NPD (New Product Development) team. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a strong background in food innovation and a passion for creating high-quality, market-ready products.
The successful candidate will play a key role in translating customer briefs and market trends into commercially viable food products. They will work closely with internal departments including operations, procurement, technical, and commercial to ensure new concepts are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with the business’s strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities:
* Collaborate with the NPD Manager to interpret customer briefs and support the development of innovative food products.
* Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure new products meet commercial targets and are operationally feasible.
* Lead and coordinate factory trials, supporting the implementation of new products and process improvements.
* Update and maintain recipe and process documentation using internal systems.
* Assist with the preparation of customer presentations, including sample creation, costings, and supporting documents.
* Communicate customer feedback to internal teams and take appropriate action in a timely manner.
* Ensure all products developed meet quality, safety, and functionality expectations.
* Manage project timelines to ensure key development milestones are achieved.
* Stay informed on food industry trends and regulatory developments to support forward-thinking product development.
Candidate Requirements:
* Degree or higher qualification in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related discipline.
* Demonstrated experience in a product development role within the food industry.
* A genuine enthusiasm for food innovation and product development.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills with a strong attention to detail.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust with stakeholders at all levels.
* Proactive, self-motivated, and able to manage projects independently.
* Competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experienced in using software systems for data management and presentations.
* Flexible and adaptable to changing business demands.