At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the New Product Development team and drive innovative food product launches.
- Company: Leading food manufacturer known for premium, high-quality products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape exciting product portfolios.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for creativity and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while collaborating with major customers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field, plus experience in food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Development Technologist to join a leading food manufacturer supplying premium products across the retail, foodservice, and wholesale sectors. This business is recognised for developing innovative, high-quality food products and works closely with major customers to deliver bespoke solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety, and traceability.
Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will lead the New Product Development (NPD) team, driving innovation and managing the complete product development lifecycle from concept through to successful commercial launch.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of the NPD process, ensuring development projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and to the highest standards.
- Manage customer briefs from concept through to commercial launch, ensuring objectives and project timelines are achieved.
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships, supporting successful product development while identifying opportunities for future business growth.
- Collaborate closely with Production, Technical, Procurement, Commercial, and Operations teams to ensure seamless product launches.
- Monitor market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activity to identify new product opportunities and drive innovation.
- Prepare and deliver engaging customer presentations tailored to individual requirements.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the NPD team, promoting a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.
About You
We're looking for a commercially minded food professional with a passion for innovation who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree in Food Science or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Proven experience within food manufacturing, ideally within the meat sector.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.
- Previous experience leading, coaching, and developing a team.
- A creative mindset with a strategic approach to product development.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Full UK driving licence.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in shaping an exciting product portfolio while working with major retail, B2B, and foodservice customers. You'll have the opportunity to lead innovation, influence commercial success, and make a genuine impact within a growing and forward-thinking food manufacturing business.
New Product Development Specialist in London employer: ConTrust Group
Join a leading food manufacturer renowned for its commitment to innovation and quality, where you will have the opportunity to shape an exciting product portfolio in a dynamic and collaborative environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from mentorship and growth opportunities while working closely with major customers to deliver bespoke solutions. Located in a vibrant area, this role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in the food industry, driving both personal and professional success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Specialist in London
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like ConTrust Group.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from ConTrust Group!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like ConTrust Group, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at ConTrust Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at ConTrust Group, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at ConTrust Group.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to ConTrust Group. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at ConTrust Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at ConTrust Group
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to ConTrust Group’s mission.