At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovation in food product development and create delicious new offerings.
- Company: Join a beloved UK brand that's rapidly expanding and values creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid role, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on inclusivity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food products that delight customers and promote sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced food environments and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Company
This is a fabulous opportunity to join a well-loved and iconic UK brand. The business is growing rapidly, and to assist with their expansion they are looking for a creative and passionate Product Development Manager to join their team and drive innovation! This is Fixed-Term Contract, and is a hybrid role with 3 days onsite.
The Role
As Product Development Manager, you will help shape and deliver the company's food category strategy. Working closely with the commercial team, you'll use consumer trends, market insights and analyse competitors to identify opportunities and develop great-tasting products that meet quality, cost and business objectives.
You'll bring new ideas to life, creating and developing products alongside suppliers while ensuring they meet brand, nutrition and responsible sourcing standards. You'll also support the evolution of product policies and contribute to delivering our health and sustainability commitments.
A key part of the role will be upholding and improving product quality by establishing and maintaining systems for sensory evaluation, quality monitoring and customer feedback. You'll work cross-functionally with supply chain, manufacturing and retail teams to drive consistency, efficiency and continuous improvement throughout the product development process.
Working collaboratively across the business, you'll build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and contribute to wider business projects. You'll also provide leadership, coaching and support to a direct report, helping them develop and deliver against their objectives.
The Candidate
We're looking for an enthusiastic and driven Product Development Manager with experience in a similar role within a fast-paced food environment. You'll have hands-on product development experience, with the confidence to turn ideas into products that customers love.
You'll bring experience within bakery, food-to-go or fresh food categories, along with a solid understanding of nutrition, product costings and commercial decision-making. Strong project management, organisation and stakeholder management skills are essential, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
Most importantly, you'll be someone who thrives in a busy environment, enjoys working as part of a team and takes pride in delivering great results. If you're motivated, inclusive, eager to develop and excited by the opportunity to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Product Development Manager (Food) in North East employer: Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative team at this iconic UK brand, where your creativity as a Product Development Manager will directly influence the future of their food category. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on health and sustainability, this hybrid role offers the perfect environment for passionate individuals eager to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a supportive workplace. Embrace the opportunity to develop your skills and lead projects that delight customers and uphold the brand's high standards.
Contact Details:
Blue Spark Organisation Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager (Food) in North East
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Blue Spark Organisation Ltd face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Blue Spark Organisation Ltd.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Blue Spark Organisation Ltd during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Blue Spark Organisation Ltd. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager (Food) in North East
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!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Blue Spark Organisation Ltd immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
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 Blue Spark Organisation Ltd – 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 Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
✨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!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Blue Spark Organisation Ltd. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Blue Spark Organisation Ltd's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
