At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and develop exciting food products that people love to eat.
- Company: Join The Compleat Food Group, a passionate food business with a purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working with innovative brands.
- Qualifications: Food-based degree and passion for food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking for a talented Product Developer to join our brilliant New Product Development team in Middlesbrough on a 6-month fixed-term contract.
About The Compleat Food Group
At The Compleat Food Group, we are proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we are on a mission to create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat. We are home to some of the UK's most exciting and loved food brands, including Walls Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we are a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK's major retailers, as well as across foodservice. With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we are united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.
Location: Middlesbrough
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 5pm and Friday: 8am - 4pm with travels
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum DOE
Contract duration: 6 months
Job Purpose:
To develop new and adapt existing products to meet customer and branded briefs, delivering commercial targets and ensuring successful scale-up to production.
Your Duties Will Include:
- Responsible for developing products on time and to budget for the customer.
- Build ideas, support new projects and actively participate in internal and external innovation sessions.
- First point of contact for customers, building positive pro-active relationships with customer product development teams.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure feasibility of products that are developed in line with company and customer strategy.
- Lead product presentations.
- Work with teams to solve issues including scalability and sustainability.
- Ensure product recipes meet appropriate food quality standards alongside commercial targets and within brand standards.
- Create and ensure accurate NPD paperwork.
- Ensure benchmarking is carried out accurately and comprehensively to present at internal and external presentations.
- Actively demonstrate passion for food and a good understanding of market and food trends.
- Travel to our UK manufacturing sites and customers when required.
Key Duties, Responsibilities & Accountabilities:
- Supermarket own label and food product development experience.
- Food Based Degree - desirable.
- Passion for food essential.
- Strong customer facing experience.
- Experience in retail or FMCG development role.
- Excellent Communication Skills.
- Strong planning, organisation and project management skills.
- Good analytic and numeracy skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Presentation skills.
- Microsoft Office skills - Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
- Driving licence essential.
Why Join Us?
At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing and career growth:
Financial & Lifestyle Benefits:
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension.
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra.
- Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform.
- Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store.
- Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand.
- EV charging points - available at selected sites.
Health & Wellbeing:
- 24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional, and practical support.
- Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts.
- Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes.
- Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources.
- Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid.
Career Growth & Development:
- Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS).
- Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role.
- Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations.
- Company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey.
- Recognition through Club Compleat rewards.
Community & Culture:
- 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you.
- Charity initiatives and fundraising events.
- Team socials to connect and celebrate together.
- Employee networks & support groups - including Women @ Compleat.
- New baby gift for new parents.
What You Should Know About How We Recruit
At The Compleat Food Group, we believe great teams are built on difference. We create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and are able to be themselves at work. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of our recruitment process, just let us know, we'll support you confidentially and with care. We hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. Our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and designed to give everyone an equal chance.
Food Product Developer (6 months FTC) in Middlesbrough employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Product Developer (6 months FTC) in Middlesbrough
✨Get Involved in Local Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Food Product Developer (6 months FTC) in Middlesbrough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
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Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and All The Top Bananas – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
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