At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product innovation and development in the food industry, shaping future product ranges.
- Company: Join H. Smith Food Group, a top independent food service company in the UK.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with travel opportunities to meet clients and suppliers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food trends and customer satisfaction in a thriving market.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and a passion for food innovation required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
H. Smith Food Group plc is one of the UK’s leading independent food service companies, specializing in fully cooked proteins. The company supplies a wide range of cooked and raw poultry, meat, seafood and vegetarian products to retail, foodservice, manufacturing, world foods and FTG outlets across the British Isles and Ireland.
We are looking for a driven and commercially minded Product Innovation & Development Manager to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong experience in new product development, food trends, retail, QSR, and food-to-go to play a key role in shaping future product ranges and supporting continued business growth. The successful candidate will work closely with our supply base, client base, and technical teams to develop innovative, commercially viable products that meet market demand and customer expectations. This role will involve using market data, trend insight, and customer feedback to identify opportunities, support product development, and help bring new ideas to life.
Key Responsibilities Will Include:
- Working with suppliers, customers, and internal teams to develop new and existing product ranges.
- Identifying market trends, consumer insights, and commercial opportunities across retail, QSR, and food-to-go sectors.
- Supporting the full NPD process from concept through to launch.
- Liaising with technical teams to ensure products meet required standards, specifications, and customer expectations.
- Building strong relationships with clients and supply partners.
- Travelling as required to meet customers, suppliers, and attend relevant industry events.
Required Experience:
- Experience in NPD, product development, or food innovation within the food industry.
- Knowledge of retail, QSR, and food-to-go markets.
- A strong understanding of market trends, product positioning, and customer requirements.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A proactive, creative, and commercially focused approach.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple teams.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established business in a varied, influential, and forward-thinking role. H. Smith Food Group plc is an equal opportunities employer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Innovation & Development Manager in City of 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 H. Smith Food 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 H. Smith Food 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 H. Smith Food Group plc, 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 H. Smith Food Group plc, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Innovation & Development Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at H. Smith Food 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 H. Smith Food 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 H. Smith Food 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 H. Smith Food Group plc. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at H. Smith Food 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 H. Smith Food Group plc’s mission.
