At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking food group focused on healthier snacking.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent bonuses, medical cash plan, and extra holidays.
- Why this job: Bring your creative ideas to life in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in product development with strong food knowledge.
- Other info: Work remotely with just one day a week in the office.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re working exclusively with an innovative food group that is looking for a commercially minded Product Development Manager to help drive the development of innovative food products from concept to launch. This role suits someone who enjoys variety, takes ownership, and is comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment where priorities evolve quickly.
On offer:
- A salary of £50,000 - £55,000
- Excellent bonus offering
- A range of brilliant benefits including medical cash plan and extra holidays
- Work from home with 1 day a week in the office in South of England
The Opportunity:
You will lead the end-to-end development of new and existing products across a growing portfolio, with a strong focus on healthier snacking and ambient grocery. This role combines creativity with technical understanding, giving you the freedom to bring bold ideas to life while ensuring they are viable, scalable, and commercially successful.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive product development from initial concept through to launch, ensuring quality, cost, and timelines are met
- Create and refine formulations with a focus on taste, nutrition, and functionality
- Interpret market trends and consumer insights to shape innovation strategy
- Build clear and effective briefs for internal teams and external partners
- Manage critical paths, ensuring projects stay on track and key milestones are achieved
- Lead product tastings, benchmarking sessions, and performance reviews
- Present confidently to customers, translating insights into compelling product propositions
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including technical, commercial, design, and supply chain
- Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and support factory trials where required
- Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, balancing day-to-day delivery with longer-term innovation planning
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in product development within ambient food (ideally 5+ years)
- Strong understanding of ingredients, flavour profiles, and product formulation
- Ability to manage multiple projects independently and make informed decisions
- Confident working with critical paths and delivering against deadlines
- Experience working cross-functionally across multiple teams
- Commercial awareness, including cost considerations and product positioning
- Familiarity with nutritional analysis tools
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Skills & Attributes:
- Creative thinker with a passion for food trends and innovation
- Detail-oriented with excellent organisational skills
- Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable working autonomously
- Adaptable and solutions-focused in a fast-paced environment
Senior Product Development Manager in Bournemouth employer: Alexander Steele
Contact Detail:
Alexander Steele Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Development Manager in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend food innovation events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. We suggest highlighting your experience in product development and how you’ve successfully managed projects from concept to launch. Show them you’re the creative thinker they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your passion for food trends! Bring examples of innovative products you admire or even ideas you have for healthier snacking. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Development Manager in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Innovation: When writing your application, let your love for food trends and innovation shine through. Share specific examples of how you've driven product development in the past, especially in the ambient food sector. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for someone who can manage multiple projects and has a strong understanding of ingredients and flavour profiles, so make that clear!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to outline your achievements and responsibilities. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your experience with critical paths and project management.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele
✨Know Your Product Development Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of product development, especially in the ambient food sector. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Think about specific products you've developed and be prepared to share the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
This role is all about innovation, so don’t hold back on sharing your bold ideas! Prepare examples of how you've brought creative concepts to life in previous roles. Highlight any unique formulations or trends you've tapped into that could resonate with the company's focus on healthier snacking.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since you'll be presenting to customers and collaborating with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock presentations to get comfortable with translating insights into compelling product propositions. Remember, strong communication can set you apart!
✨Be Ready for Fast-Paced Questions
Given the dynamic nature of the role, expect questions that assess your adaptability and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to pivot quickly or manage multiple projects simultaneously. Show them you're not just a planner but also someone who thrives under pressure!