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 Β£ 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 Β£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 Sheffield employer: Alexander Steele Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alexander Steele Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Product Developer (12m FTC) in Sheffield
β¨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 an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some practical experience. If you can, volunteer or take on freelance projects related to product development. This not only boosts your CV but also shows potential employers that you're passionate and proactive about your craft.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current food trends and market insights. Be ready to discuss how you can bring innovative ideas to the table and make a real impact in the NPD process.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Weβve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, itβs super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer (12m FTC) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Food: 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 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. Remember, weβre looking for strong organisational skills, so show us you can communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates about the process. We canβt wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele Recruitment
β¨Know Your NPD Process
Make sure you brush up on the structured NPD processes before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you've led product development projects from concept to market launch, and share specific examples of your experience in managing timelines and workflows.
β¨Showcase Your Creativity
This role is all about balancing creativity with structure, so come prepared with ideas! Think of innovative food products you've developed or concepts you've worked on. Highlight how you translated kitchen ideas into scalable formats, as this will show your hands-on experience.
β¨Be Data Savvy
Since you'll be preparing product costings and nutritional data, itβs crucial to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office tools. Bring along examples of how you've used data to inform product decisions or manage project documentation effectively.
β¨Communicate Confidently
As a confident communicator, youβll need to work across teams and with external partners. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with manufacturing partners or contributed to quality assurance standards in previous roles.