At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious recipes for innovative chilled food-to-go products from concept to tasting.
- Company: Established Egyptian grower and manufacturer with a focus on quality produce.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, hands-on experience, and the chance to shape new products.
- Other info: Opportunity for freelance, contract, or permanent roles based in Reading.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make your mark in the exciting world of food innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD for chilled meals and a passion for flavour and quality.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Great Foods is an established Egyptian grower and manufacturer of tomato, vegetable and pulse products, supplying retailers and manufacturers across the UK, EU and North America since 1978. We are launching a range of chilled food-to-go products into the UK market: grain and Mediterranean bowls, fresh pasta pots and salad bowls, built from produce we grow and process ourselves. We are looking for a Development Chef to create the recipes and help us win the listings.
This is a hands-on product development role, not a restaurant one. You will turn our raw ingredients into finished, retailer-ready chilled products that taste excellent, hit a target cost per unit, and can be manufactured at scale.
What you will do:
- Develop hero recipes for chilled bowls, pasta pots and Mediterranean lines from concept to tasting-ready sample
- Cost recipes, manage ingredient declarations and allergens, and reformulate to protect margin
- Design for shelf life, chill and reheat performance, and factory scalability
- Prototype pack formats, including sealed pot and bowl concepts
- Present and cook tastings for retail and manufacturer buyers alongside our commercial team
- Help spec and set up our Reading test kitchen
What you bring:
- Proven NPD experience in UK chilled, ready meals or food-to-go, ideally from a retailer own-label programme or a chilled food manufacturer (for example M&S, Waitrose, Greencore, Bakkavor, Charlie Bigham's, Samworth, Oscar Mayer)
- Strong commercial literacy: costing, target pricing, spec and technical basics
- Confidence presenting and tasting to category buyers
- A feel for provenance and flavour, and genuine interest in developing from a grower that controls its own supply from farm to finished product
Based at our office in Reading, with easy reach of the M4 corridor. We are open to freelance, contract or permanent depending on fit, and happy to start on a project basis to develop an initial range. To apply, message me directly with a short note on relevant chilled or food-to-go products you have developed.
Contact Details:
Great Foods - Egyptian International For Food Products Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Manager in Slough
✨Get Your Portfolio Sorted
As a freelancer in food science and technology, showcasing your expertise is key. Create a detailed portfolio that highlights your projects, research, and any innovative food solutions you've developed. This will act as your calling card when reaching out to potential clients or partners.
✨Join Food-Tech Communities
Connect with like-minded food tech enthusiasts by joining online communities and local meetups. Websites like ResearchGate and LinkedIn Groups focused on food science can be goldmines for networking and finding freelance opportunities. Don't hesitate to engage in discussions—people love collaboration in our field!
✨Attend Food Industry Events
Keep an eye out for food industry conferences, workshops, and trade shows in your area. These events are perfect for meeting potential clients face-to-face and can lead to freelance gigs that aren't advertised anywhere else. Bring business cards and be ready to chat about your skills!
✨Leverage Our Website for Opportunities
At StudySmarter, we often share freelance opportunities tailored to food science and technology. Make sure to check our website regularly and apply directly through there, as this shows your interest and commitment to working with us and helps you stand out in the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:Since this is a freelance gig in food science technology, it’s crucial to have a solid portfolio. Share specific projects that highlight your expertise in food processing, product development, or quality control. If you’ve developed new recipes or conducted experiments, detail those to show potential clients what you can bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clients in the food science field often look for qualifications like food safety certifications or degrees in food technology. Make sure to list these prominently on your CV, as it can make a huge difference in demonstrating your credibility and expertise. Having real-life examples of how you used these skills will also back up your qualifications!
Tailor Your Communication Style:Since you're applying for a freelance position, your cover letter should focus on how you adapt your skills to meet client needs. Use engaging language that showcases your passion for food science and your ability to connect with a variety of clients. Let them know how you can solve their specific problems!
Be Clear on Your Availability and Rates:In your application, make sure to clearly state your availability and freelance rates. Clients want to know how quickly they can get started and what to expect in terms of budget. Being transparent about this helps build trust and sets the stage for a smooth working relationship.
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Foods - Egyptian International For Food Products
✨Showcase Your Creative Flair
As a freelance food scientist, your portfolio is your greatest asset. Compile case studies or project highlights showcasing your innovative food solutions, such as product formulations or sensory analysis you've done. This not only demonstrates your skills but also shows how you approach challenges in the field.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussion around food processes, preservation methods, or food safety protocols. Brush up on the latest trends in food science technology, like sustainable packaging or alternative proteins, as these could come up. It’s crucial to show that you’re not only informed but also passionate about the direction the industry is heading.
✨Client Communication is Key
Since you’re freelancing, you’ll need to articulate how you manage client expectations and project timelines. Be prepared to discuss previous collaborations, how you handle feedback, and the importance of clarity in communicating scientific concepts for non-scientists. This shows that you can work effectively as part of a team, even when you're not physically present.
✨Pitch Your Rates with Confidence
Freelance work often deals with rate negotiations. Before the interview with Great Foods - Egyptian International For Food Products, decide on your rates based on your experience and project complexity. Practice explaining the value you bring to the table – whether it’s expertise in a new food tech or an innovative solution you created – so you can justify your rates during the interview.
