At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development for innovative food concepts and ensure quality and sustainability.
- Company: Join Greencore, a leading UK convenience food creator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, life insurance, employee discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Why Greencore?
Following the combination with Bakkavor in January 2026, we’re one of the UK’s leading creators of convenience food, driven by a simple purpose: to make everyday taste better.
As a vibrant and fast-moving business, we’re proud to employ over 28,000 talented colleagues across 36 manufacturing sites and 21 distribution depots in the UK and the US.
Together, we bring delicious food to life.
Our products cover every meal occasion from breakfast through to dinner and dessert, with lunch and snacking in between.
In FY25, our shared passion helped us achieve combined revenues of approximately £4bn.
Our extensive direct to store (DTS) network, with 17 depots across the UK, allows us to deliver fresh and frozen food both our own and from trusted partners to thousands of stores every day, ensuring consumers enjoy the very best, whenever and wherever they shop.
We have an excellent opportunity for a Product Development Controller to join our innovation team based out of either London Park Royal.
This role will lead the team across deli, side of plate, quiche and dips for our Tesco business.
Role Purpose
You will lead the product development team, driving the customer category food strategy to ensure profitable growth for both Greencore and our clients.
You will also play a pivotal role in fostering strong customer partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Review all customer product development briefs to ensure they align with our food strategy, addressing any discrepancies as needed.
- Lead your team in developing market-relevant, commercially viable product and packaging concepts, ensuring high quality and sustainability.
- Engage with senior management stakeholders at each site to ensure strategic alignment across customer, category, and Greencore objectives.
- Be a champion of our ‘Great Food’ principle, ensuring that food quality and innovation remain central to everything we do.
- Utilise food trends and insights to shape product concepts, working in collaboration with the marketing and portfolio teams.
- Set high standards for the Product Development team, ensuring excellence in food quality, customer communication, and operational processes.
- Take responsibility for margin delivery by overseeing accurate product costing from concept to implementation, ensuring target costs are met or exceeded.
- Provide strong leadership, ensuring your team is safe, engaged, and fully equipped to deliver outstanding results, with the right training and resources.
- Ensure full compliance with Product Development procedures and policies, guaranteeing that products are developed correctly from the outset.
What We're Looking For
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable commercial products.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to plan workloads effectively and focus teams to meet objectives.
- In-depth knowledge of food and customer needs, along with the ability to engage and build strong relationships with clients.
- Passion for great food, with a deep understanding of current and emerging trends in the food industry.
- Excellent organisational skills to ensure smooth project execution and team alignment.
We’re proud to be recognised in the Gender Equity Measure Top 100 for our commitment to gender equality.
What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary and job-related benefits
- Life insurance up to 4x salary
- Company share save scheme
- Exclusive Greencore employee discount platform
- Access to a full Wellbeing Centre platform
- Enhanced parental leave and menopause policy
We reserve the right to close the advert ahead of the specified closing date.
Recruitment Fraud Warning
Greencore and its recruitment partners never charge candidates any fees at any stage of the hiring process.
Any request for payment relating to a job opportunity should be considered fraudulent.
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Product Development Controller employer: Greencore Group plc
Greencore Group plc is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Nottingham where you can thrive as a Senior Business Analyst. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including a car allowance and access to a wellbeing centre, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Controller
✨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 Greencore Group plc.
✨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 Greencore Group plc!
✨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 Greencore Group plc, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Greencore Group plc, 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 Greencore Group plc.
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 Greencore Group plc. 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 Greencore Group plc. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Greencore Group plc
✨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 Greencore Group plc’s mission.
