At Heler Foods, our people are part of our extended Heler Family — the driving force behind everything we do. From crafting award-winning cheeses to delivering service that sets new standards, we work together to shape the future of food.
CHEESEMAKERS. FUTURE SHAPERS. CHANGEMAKERS.
Rooted in tradition and growing into the future, we’re bold, ambitious and proud of where we’re going next. Every colleague has a voice here — and every step you take helps move us forward.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We’re looking for a talented and driven Product Development Manager to lead end-to-end product development across branded and own-label categories.
This is a pivotal role where you’ll take ownership of innovation and development projects — working cross-functionally and directly with customers to bring high-quality, commercially successful products to market.
In this role, you will:
Lead & Deliver
* Lead product development from concept through to launch
* Manage critical paths, timelines and NPD trackers
* Ensure full adherence to the Product Launch Process
* Build strong, proactive relationships with customers and internal stakeholders
* Flex across customer accounts and priorities as required
Discover & Create
* Drive innovation pipelines using market trends, consumer insight and customer briefs
* Develop and present new product concepts aligned to brand and category strategy
* Collaborate with Technical, Commercial and Process teams to ensure feasibility and cost alignment
* Source ingredients and packaging solutions in line with business strategy
* Influence and shape customer briefs through insight and ideas
Develop & Feasibility
* Refine products to meet taste, quality, technical and commercial requirements
* Lead or support customer presentations and submissions
* Manage development cycles to ensure feasibility and alignment to brief
* Ensure accurate costings in collaboration with Finance and Commercial teams
* Coordinate cross-functional input to deliver robust product solutions
Verify & Launch
* Support scale-up from kitchen to factory, ensuring product integrity is maintained
* Attend factory trials and validate product quality and performance
* Ensure packaging, specifications and artwork meet required standards
* Support launch readiness and cross-functional delivery of product launches
Review & Improve
* Lead and contribute to post-launch reviews
* Monitor product performance, quality and commercial success
* Drive continuous improvement and maintain high product standards
ABOUT YOU
You’re an experienced product developer with a passion for food and a track record of delivering in a fast-paced FMCG environment. You’re confident leading projects, influencing stakeholders and bringing ideas to life.
Experience & Background
* Experience in product development within FMCG (ideally chilled food)
* Proven track record of successful product launches
* Strong ability to build relationships and influence at all levels
* Food-related degree
* 3–5 years’ experience in a retail or FMCG product development role
Key Skills
* Strong understanding of the product launch process
* Excellent communication and influencing skills
* Confident presenter, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders
* Strong planning, organisation and project management capability
* Commercial awareness and analytical thinking
* Understanding of UK and European food regulations
Personal Qualities
* Genuine passion for food and innovation
* Self-motivated, energetic and adaptable
* Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions at pace
* Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills
* High integrity and ability to build trust
* Confident working with stakeholders at all levels
WHY JOIN HELER FOODS?
Because we don’t just offer jobs — we shape careers.
From our roots as a family-run dairy to a forward-thinking food manufacturer, we combine tradition with innovation to stay ahead of the curve.
Here, you’ll find:
* Strong development and progression opportunities
* A collaborative and supportive team environment
* A culture driven by curiosity and continuous improvement
* The opportunity to work on exciting, high-quality food products
* A business committed to doing things the right way
JOIN THE EXTENDED HELER FAMILY
If you’re ready to help shape the future of food at Heler Foods, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now
www.helerfoods.com
Heler Foods: Rooted in tradition. Growing into the future.
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