At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a fast-growing company known for its delicious chilled and frozen food range.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for travel, collaboration, and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes food trends and delights customers worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development, ideally with a food degree and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Frequent travel across the UK, EU, and SE Asia is involved.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
The Company
This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded food business who are going through a period of growth and are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Product Developer / Product Manager (Food) to help bring innovative concepts to life.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Product, you will be responsible for ensuring that the products you develop are not only successful but fully align with the business retail-focussed strategy.
You will be required to brilliantly plan, manage and successfully deliver NPD and EPD projects from start to finish whilst effectively influencing, briefing and coordinating people cross-functionally at all levels. This will involve building close working relationships with internal and external manufacturing partners with full ownership of the Stage & Gate process.
You’ll keep up to speed with new food / consumer trends, ingredients, packaging and technologies as well as the competitor landscape, so you can drive the innovation of on-trend products. This will be in collaboration with in-house NPD teams at UK and European manufacturing sites as well as 3rd party partners, motivating them to deliver projects with energy and enthusiasm whilst ensuring cost parameters and technical requirements are met.
This role will also require some travel to European and UK manufacturing sites.
The Person
This role will suit a passionate and driven Senior Product Developer, ideally with a Food Science degree as well as experience gained from a chilled food manufacturing, food brand or retail environment.
You’ll need to have experience of working with suppliers, manufacturing and cross-functional teams as well as the UK retailers, to continually raise the bar on product innovation, quality and integrity. You will be a natural communicator, able to effectively manage and influence key stakeholders whilst building strong working relationships to deliver significant NPD projects.
If you are already in a similar role and you are ready to make your mark with this leading food business, then apply today or get in touch with Georgina for a confidential chat – 0345 2600 737 / Georgina@blue-spark.org.uk
Ref: L6929
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Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.
Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas.
Senior Product Developer (Food) employer: Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blue Spark Organisation Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Developer (Food)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends and innovations in the chilled and frozen categories. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry and your ability to contribute creatively to the NPD team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food development sector, especially those who have experience in retail or branded products. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of past projects where you've successfully managed the product lifecycle. Highlight your collaboration with cross-functional teams and how you’ve navigated challenges to deliver innovative products on time.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s existing product range and think about potential improvements or new ideas you could bring to the table. Being able to articulate how you can enhance their offerings will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Developer (Food)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Product Developer position. Highlight key skills such as innovation, communication, and project management in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in product development, particularly within chilled or frozen food categories. Emphasise relevant projects and achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage the product lifecycle and collaborate with teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food trends and product development. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully transformed customer briefs into viable products and your understanding of market insights.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role involves significant interaction with retailers and international teams, make sure to highlight your exceptional communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively managed relationships and communicated project aspirations in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
✨Showcase Your Food Knowledge
Make sure to demonstrate your understanding of food trends, ingredients, and seasonality during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you can use this knowledge to innovate and improve existing products.
✨Highlight Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves managing project critical paths, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed projects in the past. Discuss your organisational skills and how you ensure timely delivery of product launches.
✨Emphasise Communication Abilities
As you'll be interacting with retailers and international teams, it's crucial to highlight your exceptional communication skills. Prepare to give examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas or collaborated with diverse teams.
✨Prepare for Customer Relationship Building
Since forging lasting customer relationships is key, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to understand client needs and transform their briefs into successful products. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your relationship-building skills.