At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting food product development projects from concept to market launch.
- Company: Join a fast-growing food business with a creative and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and more!
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bringing innovative food products to life.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in food product development and a degree in Food Science or related field.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Alexander Steele Recruitment is partnering with a fast-growing food business to recruit a Product Developer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on product development professional to work across end to end NPD, supporting the launch and evolution of innovative food products within a collaborative, creative environment.
Reporting into the NPD Manager, this role will suit someone who enjoys balancing creativity with structure and has a strong understanding of how to bring commercially viable food products to market.
On offer:
- Salary for this role is circa £30,000
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to benefit from more!
- Hybrid working - Up to 2 days a week WFH
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead product development projects from concept creation through to successful market launch
- Manage project timelines, milestones and internal workflows to ensure delivery against deadlines
- Develop and refine recipes, translating kitchen concepts into scalable, factory-ready formats
- Prepare product costings, nutritional data and technical documentation
- Brief and manage manufacturing partners during trials and production runs
- Support ingredient sourcing and supplier onboarding in collaboration with Operations
- Define and support Quality Assurance Standards for new and existing products
- Conduct product tastings, sample reviews and trial evaluations
- Contribute to packaging development by reviewing product information and specifications
- Use market and competitor insights to inform product decisions
- Identify potential risks and proactively implement solutions
Candidate Profile:
- Minimum 2 years of industry experience in food product development with working knowledge of structured NPD processes
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science or related subjects
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong attention to detail
- Confident communicator, able to work effectively across internal teams and external partners
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint
Product Developer (12m FTC) in Hemel Hempstead employer: Alexander Steele Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alexander Steele Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Developer (12m FTC) in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Product Developer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your portfolio ready! Showcase your previous product development projects, especially those that highlight your creativity and ability to bring products to market. A strong portfolio can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be prepared to discuss how you've managed timelines and collaborated with teams in past roles. Highlight your proactive mindset and attention to detail, as these are key traits for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer (12m FTC) in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Development: When writing your application, let your love for food and product development shine through. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that highlight your creativity and understanding of the NPD process.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your project management abilities and any hands-on experience in food product development.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that showcases your qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele Recruitment
✨Know Your NPD Processes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of structured New Product Development (NPD) processes. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led projects from concept to market launch in the past. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since this role requires a balance of creativity and structure, prepare examples of innovative food products you've developed. Talk about how you translated kitchen concepts into scalable formats, as this will highlight your hands-on experience and creative thinking.
✨Be Ready with Data
Familiarise yourself with product costings, nutritional data, and technical documentation. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you approach these aspects and ensure they align with market needs. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and commercial awareness.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a confident communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you've collaborated with internal teams and external partners in the past. Being able to convey your ideas effectively will be key in showcasing your fit for the role.