Product Developer in London

Product Developer in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Grind

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us to create innovative coffee products and manage exciting projects.
  • Company: Grind, a leading sustainable coffee company based in London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, discounts, social events, and a wellbeing allowance.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making coffee better for people and the planet.
  • Qualifications: Experience in product development and a passion for coffee and food innovation.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Grind is a coffee company that lives in London.

Since opening Shoreditch Grind in 2011, we've expanded across London with cafés, coffee trucks and a state-of-the-art coffee roastery.

Today, we serve millions of cups of coffee across London and the UK each year, and we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of people make better, more sustainable coffee at home.

You’ll find our coffee beans, compostable coffee pods and ready-to-drink coffee cans - in supermarkets across the UK and in hotels around the world.

Based in Shoreditch, we have a team of talented people working on everything from product development to finance, to customer experience.

We’re looking for someone to join our growing team and help us in building the future of Grind.

We think coffee can be a force for good.

Whether it's through creating the UK's first compostable coffee pods, our plastic-free packaging or carbon-free shipping - we're on a mission to be the world's most sustainable coffee company.

In 2023, we created our charity, the Better Coffee Foundation, to undo the damage done by the global coffee industry - in our first year, we recovered 43 million pods' worth of ocean-bound plastic.

A bit about the role.

We’re looking for a Product Developer to join our growing Product team at Grind.

This is a unique hybrid role, blending creative recipe development with structured NPD project management.

You’ll help bring new products to life across our ready-to-drink range, coffee pods, seasonal launches, collaborations and wider grocery, B2B and D2C ranges.

Reporting into the Head of Product, you’ll support the full innovation process from trend research and concept development through to kitchen trials, supplier briefing, factory scale-up, artwork sign-off and final launch.

You’ll be hands‑on with product creation, but also highly organised and commercially minded, making sure products are delivered on time, within margin, and in line with Grind’s quality standards and sustainability values.

You’ll also play a key role in bringing high‑profile brand collaborations to life, following in the footsteps of previous partnerships with Baileys, Pokémon, Green Day and Peanuts.

Role responsibilities.

  • Support the development and delivery of Grind’s NPD pipeline across RTD, coffee pods, food, drink and seasonal innovation.
  • Manage project timelines, critical paths and development trackers to ensure launches land on time and meet key retail, seasonal and commercial deadlines.
  • Research trends, identify range gaps and proactively bring forward new product ideas across grocery, B2B and D2C.
  • Develop kitchen samples, recipes and product concepts, then support their scale‑up into commercially viable products.
  • Work closely with co‑packers, manufacturers and suppliers to brief new products, run trials, review samples and manage launch requirements.
  • Support the packaging artwork process from initial brief through to proofing, stakeholder sign‑off and final print.
  • Maintain accurate product specifications, recipe databases, product codes and relevant NPD documentation.
  • Work cross‑functionally with Brand, Supply Chain, Roastery, B2B, Finance and external partners to keep projects on track.
  • Support commercial decision‑making by balancing product quality, cost of goods, target margin and retail price expectations.
  • Organise and lead tastings, product reviews and approval sessions with internal teams, external partners and retail customers.

You’ll have.

  • Experience in product development, food innovation, NPD or a similar role within FMCG, food retail, hospitality, grocery or food‑to‑go.
  • A strong understanding of the NPD process, from early‑stage concept through to launch.
  • Previous project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple timelines, suppliers and priorities at once.
  • Experience working with suppliers, manufacturers, co‑packers or production partners.
  • A creative approach to recipe development, product innovation and trend‑led thinking.
  • A great palate and a genuine interest in coffee, food, drink, grocery or convenience trends.
  • Good Communication skills, with the confidence to present ideas, run tastings and build relationships across teams.
  • Bonus if you have…
  • Experience developing own‑label or branded products for major UK retailers, grocery, convenience or foodservice customers.
  • Experience working on ready‑to‑drink products, coffee, beverages, pods, food‑to‑go or seasonal gifting.
  • Knowledge of coffee, brewing, sensory evaluation or specialty coffee standards.
  • Experience working with sustainable packaging, packaging innovation or B Corp‑aligned businesses.
  • Experience managing factory trials, shelf‑life testing or product validation studies.
  • A qualification or background in food science, culinary arts, nutrition or a related field.

Diversity and Inclusion.

Grind is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or disability status.

If there are any adjustments you need to help you bring your best self to an interview with us please let us know.

Benefits and perks

  • Smart Pension: We offer a pension scheme to help you plan for your future.
  • Financial support: access to interest‑free, short‑term loans when you need them most
  • Paid Time Off: Generous holiday allowance, plus an extra day of holiday for each year of service (up to 3 additional days).
  • Referral Bonus: Earn up to £450 in tiered bonuses for referring great talent to our team
  • Discounts online: Up to 40% off our retail line online.
  • Spectrum

Life: Access our confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

  • Crew Card: Enjoy 50% off all food and drinks, plus two free coffees a day at Grind locations.
  • Friends & Family Discount: Share the love with discounts for your friends and family on our website and at our sites.
  • Social Events: Join us for team social events to connect and have fun.
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity: Enjoy enhanced maternity and paternity benefits once eligible.
  • Wellbeing Allowance: Up to £200 annually to spend on your wellbeing.
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Grind

Contact Details:

Grind Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Product Developer 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 Grind.

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 Grind!

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 Grind, 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 Grind, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer in London

Product Development
NPD (New Product Development)
Project Management
Trend Research
Recipe Development
Supplier Management
Commercial Viability Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Grind, 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 Grind.

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 Grind. 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 Grind. It shows you're committed to your professional development.

How to prepare for a job interview at Grind

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 Grind’s mission.