At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product development from concept to launch, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading chilled and frozen food business known for innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, travel opportunities, and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Influence products on supermarket shelves and work with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and a food-related degree preferred.
- Other info: Visa sponsorship is not available; UK right to work required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Company
Join a well-respected, multi-site chilled and frozen food business, known for supplying multiple customer channels including the UK’s leading supermarkets, QSR and B2B customers with high-quality, innovative food products. With a strong reputation for excellence, product innovation, and customer satisfaction, this company is expanding and seeking a talented Product Manager to strengthen its Product Development team.
The Role
This hybrid role is an exciting opportunity to manage critical paths and customer interactions to ensure the successful launch of both new and existing food products. You’ll work across a broad category range to ensure products are commercially viable, on-brand, and on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end development of products in response to customer briefs
- Coordinate with suppliers across Europe and further afield on product development
- Handle critical path timelines to deliver projects on schedule
- Communicate daily with customers and suppliers, maintaining development documentation
- Prepare and present samples and innovation presentations to UK customers
- Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, supply chain, technical, and overseas teams
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal NPD processes
- Support artwork and packaging creation for UK retail products
- Monitor trends and maintain detailed category knowledge
People Profile
- Proven experience in food product development and customer management
- Excellent project management skills and commercial awareness
- Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for food and innovation
- Ability to work independently while thriving in a team environment
- Food-related degree (or equivalent experience) preferred
What’s In It For You
- Be part of a dynamic and growing business with a collaborative culture
- Hybrid working flexibility
- Influence products seen on supermarket shelves across the UK
- Opportunities to travel and present to major retail clients
- Work with a passionate team driven by quality and innovation
We regret we cannot offer visa sponsorship and can only consider candidates who hold right to work in the UK.
To apply, please e-mail in strict confidence, with a comprehensive CV, including salary details, quoting the above reference and for the attention of James Constable.
Due to a high volume of responses, we cannot reply to each application individually. If you have not had a response within one week, we are sorry to say your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Product Development Manager (Food Manufacturing) employer: The People Co.
Contact Detail:
The People Co. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager (Food Manufacturing)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food product development. Understanding current market demands and innovations will help you stand out during interviews, as you'll be able to discuss relevant examples and ideas.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their companies.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your project management skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed, focusing on how you handled timelines, supplier coordination, and customer interactions to ensure successful product launches.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s product range and recent innovations. Being knowledgeable about their offerings will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager (Food Manufacturing)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food product development and customer management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your project management skills and commercial awareness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and innovation. Mention how your background aligns with the company's values and the specific role, emphasising your ability to manage end-to-end product development.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in previous roles.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application instructions precisely. Include all requested information, such as salary details, and address your application to James Constable as specified in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co.
✨Know Your Products
Familiarise yourself with the company's product range and recent innovations. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their offerings and how you can contribute to future developments.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Highlight your project management experience, especially in food product development. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed timelines and coordinated with suppliers.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves daily communication with customers and suppliers, emphasise your strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships and resolved conflicts in previous roles.
✨Stay Updated on Food Trends
Research current trends in the food industry, particularly in chilled and frozen products. Being knowledgeable about market demands will demonstrate your passion for food and innovation during the interview.