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- 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 Reading 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 Reading
✨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 your experience aligns with the job description. Focus on your project management skills and how you've successfully led product development from concept to launch.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer (12m FTC) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Development: When writing your application, let your love for food product development shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how they reflect your creativity and understanding of the market.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in NPD and any specific skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and skills. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
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, as this will show your understanding of the role's key responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare examples of how you've balanced creativity with structure in your previous roles. Think about specific food products you've developed and how you translated kitchen concepts into scalable formats. This will highlight your hands-on experience and innovative thinking.
✨Master the Technical Details
Familiarise yourself with product costings, nutritional data, and technical documentation. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed these aspects in your previous roles, as this will demonstrate your attention to detail and organisational skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves working with internal teams and external partners, showcasing your communication skills during the interview will be crucial. Consider preparing a few questions to ask the interviewer to engage them in conversation.