At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation and launch of innovative menu items for a fast-growing food brand.
- Company: Join a dynamic, venture-backed food business with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative freedom, and opportunities for international expansion.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with the chance to shape the future of food offerings.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by turning viral food concepts into beloved menus that drive customer loyalty.
- Qualifications: 3-4 years in product development, degree in Food Science or related field, and HACCP qualification.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
What happens when a viral food brand needs a menu that can scale across a growing estate?
That's exactly the challenge this role has been created to solve.
Our client is a fast-growing, venture-backed food business that partners with high-profile creator-led brands and turns them into scalable restaurant concepts.
One of its biggest UK growth opportunities is already building serious momentum, with around 20 locations live today and ambitious plans to reach approximately 100 sites by 2030, expand into international markets and keep growing through a predominantly franchise-led model.
Now they're looking for the person who can turn a much-loved product into a menu that drives repeat visits, protects margin and works in every kitchen, every time.
The opportunity
This is a chance to take full ownership of the new product development function.
You'll lead the creation and launch of new menu items, limited-time offers and core menu upgrades across the entire estate, working closely with senior leadership and shaping how the menu evolves as the business scales.
This isn't about developing products that only work in a test kitchen.
It's about creating products that sell.
You'll use trends, customer insights and commercial data to answer questions such as:
• What should customers be excited to try next?
• How do we keep the menu fresh without slowing down operations?
• How do we improve margin without compromising on quality?
• How do we adapt the menu for new international markets?
And ultimately
How do we turn a viral food brand into a menu customers come back for again and again?
What you will own
- You'll lead new menu items end to end, from first concept through to launch, and build a clear product roadmap for limited-time offers and core menu updates.
- You'll work closely with marketing on trend analysis, competitor benchmarking and customer insight, turning what you learn into menu innovation.
- You'll partner with chefs, suppliers, operations and supply chain to make sure every product is scalable, cost-effective and works in a high-volume environment.
- You'll recommend ingredients, suppliers, cooking processes and equipment for consistency and quality across every location.
- You'll build structured processes for recipe development, tastings, product approvals and trials, and track how products perform during trials and after launch.
- You'll use menu engineering and recipe adjustments to optimise cost of goods and improve menu margin, and give supply chain early forecasts and target pricing four to eight months before launch.
- You'll adapt products for new international markets, working with external food safety consultants to make sure everything meets local standards.
- And because this is a scaling business, you'll have the freedom to build rather than simply inherit someone else's playbook.
Who we are looking for
- You're likely to have around 3 to 4 years' product development experience within QSR, food service or retail.
- You'll have a proven track record of owning product roadmaps and creating menus with real autonomy, ideally for a multi-site, high-volume operation.
- You'll hold a degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related discipline, along with a Food Safety and HACCP qualification (Level 3 or equivalent preferred), which is essential for this role.
- You'll have strong knowledge of food safety legislation, supplier quality systems and QSR quality standards.
- You'll be passionate about food and culinary trends, with the commercial mindset to turn creative ideas
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
NPD & Menu Strategy Manager in London employer: COREcruitment
As a Luxury Hotel Events Operations Lead in London, you will thrive in a vibrant and dynamic work culture that prioritises excellence and creativity. The company offers competitive salaries reflective of luxury hospitality standards, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a prestigious environment. Join a team that values collaboration and innovation, ensuring every event is a memorable experience for guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD & Menu Strategy Manager 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 COREcruitment.
✨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 COREcruitment!
✨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 COREcruitment, 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 COREcruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD & Menu Strategy Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at COREcruitment, 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 COREcruitment.
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 COREcruitment. 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 COREcruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at COREcruitment
✨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 COREcruitment’s mission.
