Advert:
We’re looking for a passionate and creative Senior Product Developer to join our RDQ team and play a key role in bringing innovative, high-quality food products to market.
Reporting to the NPD Manager, you’ll manage development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring products meet quality, safety, customer, and commercial expectations while following established NPD processes and procedures.
This is an exciting opportunity for a driven foodie with chilled product development experience who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
Project Management
1. Lead customer and brand development projects from brief to launch
2. Ensure all NPD procedures and documentation are completed accurately and on time
3. Coordinate cross-functional teams to keep projects on track
4. Organise and facilitate project meetings
5. Troubleshoot challenges and escalate risks where required
Concept Development
6. Develop innovative and commercially viable products
7. Ensure feasibility, costing, and benchmarking processes are followed
8. Manage internal tastings and customer submissions
9. Work closely with Procurement, Technical, and Operations teams on new ingredients and packaging
10. Ensure products meet customer, brand, and factory standards
Process Development
11. Support and run PPRs and factory trials
12. Maintain accurate product files and technical documentation
13. Ensure compliance with BRC standards and audit readiness
14. Coordinate shelf-life, nutritional, artwork, and product quality information
15. Drive continuous improvement and innovation across products and processes
16. Support product launches and customer approvals
Customer Relationship Management
17. Act as a key NPD contact for customers and brand teams
18. Build strong customer relationships through effective communication
19. Work collaboratively with Sales and Technical teams to deliver a consistent customer approach
20. Stay informed on customer standards and expectations
Teamwork & Leadership
21. Deputise for the NPD Manager when required
22. Support and mentor placement students
23. Contribute to departmental budget management
24. Champion cross-functional collaboration and Hain values
25. Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic working environment
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications & Experience
26. Degree in Food Science or a related discipline
27. Basic culinary skills
28. 2–3 years’ experience in product development
29. Experience within chilled food manufacturing
30. Strong project management and organisational skills
31. Proven track record of delivering commercially successful products
32. Basic financial understanding
33. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Personal Attributes
34. Creative, innovative, and passionate about food
35. Collaborative and relationship-focused
36. Flexible and adaptable approach
37. Positive, enthusiastic, and proactive mindset
38. Ability to work cross-functionally at all levels
39. Full UK driving licence
Working Environment
40. Primarily office-based with regular work in chilled factory and kitchen environments
41. Travel to suppliers, customers, and other company sites will be required
42. Occasional overnight stays and flexibility around working hours may be needed
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a collaborative and forward-thinking business where innovation, continuous improvement, and teamwork are at the heart of what we do. This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact on exciting product launches while developing your career within a supportive environment.
Apply now to help shape the future of food innovation.
Qualifications
Benefits
Not Specified