At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting food product ideas from concept to launch in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Greencore, a top UK convenience food creator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, holidays, pension contributions, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and on-the-job training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on delicious food products that excite customers every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Job: Product Development Manager x 2
Location: Northampton
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 currently have two Product Development Manager opportunities available, giving you the chance to join a high-performing team at our Northampton site, managing our M&S food for later portfolio.
The Role
As Product Development Manager, you’ll steer bold new ideas from spark to shelf. You’ll drive multiple projects at pace, shaping concepts that excite customers and energise our teams. You’ll be working closely with customers and internal teams to deliver and lead our future of food agenda.
Key responsibilities include:
- Taking ownership of development briefs from concept through to launch, ensuring each project is delivered on time and in full.
- Managing the critical path and driving progress across multiple workstreams.
- Building and maintaining a strong, collaborative relationship with our customers technologists and buyers.
- Bringing strategic insight and forward-thinking to future development plans, helping the team stay ahead of trends and customer expectations.
- Encouraging innovation, creativity, and excellence in every product we deliver.
- Leading with influence and confidence, ensuring clarity and momentum across the team.
- Supporting and mentoring technologists and developers, helping them to grow and succeed.
What We’re Looking For
This is a role for someone who enjoys working in a fast-moving environment where priorities can change quickly and no two days are the same. You'll need to be comfortable balancing multiple projects, working closely with customers and cross-functional teams, and demonstrate a genuine passion for food.
- Significant experience in product development within food manufacturing.
- Strong project management skills with a proven ability to manage the critical path and multiple briefs.
- A confident, collaborative communicator with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Creative thinker with a strong commercial awareness and genuine passion for food.
- A natural leader who can inspire, challenge, and drive progress.
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary and job-related benefits
- Holidays
- Competitive matched pension contributions
- Life insurance up to 4x salary
- Company share save scheme
- Greencore Qualifications
- Exclusive Greencore employee discount platform
- Access to a full Wellbeing Centre platform
- Enhanced parental leave and menopause policies
Throughout your time at Greencore, you will be supported with on the job training.
We reserve the right to close this advert ahead of the specified end 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.
Product Development Manager in Northampton employer: Greencore
Greencore in Holbeach, Lincolnshire is an excellent employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic and fast-paced manufacturing environment. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence, the company offers competitive salaries and extensive benefits, fostering a collaborative work culture that empowers engineering leaders to drive innovation and performance. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager in Northampton
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 Greencore, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Greencore, 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.
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. 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. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Greencore
✨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’s mission.
