At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting product development projects from concept to launch in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a well-established international food manufacturing business known for innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ownership of high-profile projects, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and customer partnership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food products while mentoring the next generation of developers.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in FMCG food development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
A well-established international food manufacturing business is looking to appoint a Senior Product Developer to join its Product Development team. Supplying both private label and branded products to major UK retailers and international markets, this is an exciting opportunity to join a business known for delivering innovative and delicious food products. Working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, you'll lead the development of new products from concept through to successful launch, helping to shape the future innovation pipeline.
Reporting into the GM and working closely with the major retailers, various customers, Technical, Procurement, Commercial and international manufacturing teams, you will manage multiple development projects simultaneously, ensuring products are commercially viable, technically robust and delivered on time. You'll also play an important role in supporting product development projects across the UK, Europe and abroad, working collaboratively with international colleagues and manufacturing partners. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role where you'll combine creativity, project management and technical understanding to deliver innovative products for some of the UK's leading retailers, while mentoring a Junior Product Developer and helping drive continuous improvement across the NPD function.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead end-to-end product development projects from concept through to successful commercial launch
- Transform customer briefs into commercially viable, production-ready products
- Work closely with major retail customers to understand project objectives and deliver innovative solutions
- Conduct benchmarking, market research and trend analysis to identify new product opportunities
- Manage project critical paths, ensuring milestones and launch timelines are achieved
- Coordinate cross-functional teams across Technical, Procurement, Packaging, Operations and Commercial
- Support UK, European and Asian product development projects, working closely with international colleagues and manufacturing partners to deliver successful product launches
- Manage retailer requirements including packaging, artwork, photography and marketing assets
- Lead product validations, factory trials and first production sign-off activities
- Monitor nutrition, quality and technical compliance throughout the development process
- Mentor and develop a Junior Product Developer, supporting their growth and day-to-day activities
What's In It for You
- The opportunity to join a growing international food manufacturing business supplying major UK retailers
- Ownership of high-profile retail development projects from concept through to launch
- A varied, customer-facing role with exposure to innovation, commercial strategy and international product development
- The opportunity to support product launches across the UK, Europe and Asia
- The opportunity to mentor and develop a Junior Product Developer and to report directly into the GM
Your Background
- A minimum of five years' product development experience within FMCG food manufacturing
- Experience developing products for major UK retailers, ideally within chilled, frozen or complex food categories
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously
- Excellent understanding of technical compliance, packaging and product launch processes
- Experience conducting benchmarking, category analysis and translating customer briefs into successful products
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with confidence presenting to customers
- Previous experience mentoring or managing junior team members
- A proactive, organised and commercially minded approach with excellent attention to detail
- Willingness to travel within the UK, Europe and occasionally Asia
Join a Business That Invests in You. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious international food manufacturing business where innovation, collaboration and customer partnership drive everything they do. You'll have the chance to work on exciting retail projects, influence product strategy and play a key role in bringing innovative food products to market across the UK, Europe and Asia. If you're an experienced Product Developer looking for the opportunity to lead projects, build customer relationships and develop the next generation of products, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Product Developer in Slough employer: Found Food & Drink
Join a well-respected food manufacturer in London that prioritises quality, innovation, and employee development. With a supportive leadership team and a culture that encourages collaboration across departments, this role offers significant opportunities for career progression and the chance to influence purchasing strategies in a dynamic environment. Enjoy a competitive salary and the satisfaction of contributing to a company that values its employees and fosters long-term supplier relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Developer in Slough
✨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 Found Food & Drink.
✨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 Found Food & Drink!
✨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 Found Food & Drink, 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 Found Food & Drink, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Developer in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Found Food & Drink, 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 Found Food & Drink.
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 Found Food & Drink. 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 Found Food & Drink. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Found Food & Drink
✨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 Found Food & Drink’s mission.
