Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch, ensuring quality and innovation.
- Company: Join a top food manufacturer passionate about creating innovative chilled products for the UK market.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Perfect for food lovers eager to innovate and make an impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in food science or similar, with experience in product launches and managing critical paths.
- Other info: Contact Kimia for a confidential chat about this exciting opportunity!
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Job Description
The Company
This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading food manufacturer producing innovative chilled products for UK customers. Highly ambitious and passionate about great food, they’re now looking for an experienced Product Development Manager to join their dynamic team.
The Role
In this creative role, you’ll lead the development of both new and existing products, managing critical paths from concept through to launch while ensuring technical and quality standards are met.
Working closely with the site’s dedicated Development Chef, you’ll help bring exciting new ideas to life, drawing on current trends and category insights to strengthen the existing range.
You’ll be the key point of contact for retail customers from day one, presenting new concepts, updating them on project progress, and ensuring expectations around budget, innovation, and product quality are consistently delivered.
You’ll also collaborate cross-functionally with technical and operations teams to keep NPD and EPD projects aligned with business standards.
In addition, you'll manage a small team, supporting day-to-day coordination, nurturing their growth, and mapping out development and training plans.
The Person
We’re looking for a hands-on NPD Manager or Senior Product Developer with a degree in food science (or similar) and a strong track record of launching products from concept to shelf in UK food manufacturing.
Experience managing critical paths and working with major UK retailers is essential.
You’ll bring excellent communication and project management skills, a keen eye for emerging trends, and a genuine passion for delicious food.
If you’re a foodie at heart with a flair for innovation and ready for your next challenge, apply today or call Kimia on 0345 2600 737 / 07700 137 110 for a confidential chat.
—
Ref: L6880
Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.
Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas.
Product Development Manager employer: Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blue Spark Organisation Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food innovation and product development. Being able to discuss current market trends and how they can influence new product ideas will show your passion and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who have experience with major UK retailers. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your project management skills by discussing specific examples of how you've successfully managed critical paths in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the Product Development Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to articulate your vision for product development and how you would approach collaboration with cross-functional teams. Highlighting your teamwork and leadership skills will be crucial, especially since you'll be managing a small team.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development, particularly in the food manufacturing sector. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed critical paths and launched products from concept to shelf.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and innovation. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams and retailers in past roles, showcasing your communication and project management skills.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Trends: Demonstrate your understanding of current trends in the food industry within your application. Highlight any innovative ideas or concepts you've developed that align with these trends, showing that you're proactive and forward-thinking.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with NPD and EPD projects. Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenges in product development and how you ensure quality standards are met throughout the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
✨Showcase Your Passion for Food
As a Product Development Manager, your love for food should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your favourite food trends and how they can influence product development. Share any personal experiences that highlight your passion for creating innovative food products.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Since managing critical paths is essential for this role, come equipped with examples of past projects where you successfully led product development from concept to launch. Highlight your ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks effectively.
✨Prepare for Retail Customer Interaction
You'll be the key point of contact for retail customers, so practice how you would present new concepts and updates. Think about how to communicate project progress clearly and how to manage expectations regarding budget and quality.
✨Highlight Team Management Experience
As you'll be managing a small team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've supported team members in their growth. Share specific examples of how you've mapped out development and training plans in previous roles.
