At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive product development from concept to commercialisation in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
- Company: Rapidly scaling FMCG food and drinks brand based in Central London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to innovate in product development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by creating best-in-class products that consumers love.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field with beverage formulation experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Ignite are excited to be partnering with a rapidly scaling FMCG brand on the search for a Product Development Engineer. They’re now looking for a hands-on formulation expert to drive end-to-end product development, from concept through to commercialisation, ensuring every product delivers on taste, function and performance at scale.
This role sits at the centre of innovation, working cross-functionally with Operations, Technical, Marketing and external manufacturers to bring new product concepts to life, while ensuring formulations are robust, scalable and compliant.
If you love getting into the detail of formulation, solving technical challenges and building best-in-class products in a fast-paced environment, this is an opportunity to make real impact.
What will you be doing?
- Translating consumer insights and brand vision into technically viable recipes
- Running bench development, trials and iterations to refine taste, stability and performance
- Optimising formulations for cost, shelf-life and scalability without compromising quality
- Managing ingredient selection, functionality and interactions within formulations
- Collaborating with manufacturers to scale products from lab to production
- Designing and overseeing factory trials, pilot runs and first productions
- Troubleshooting processing, stability and consistency challenges at scale
- Ensuring formulations meet UK/EU regulatory requirements and technical standards
- Sourcing and evaluating new ingredients, extracts and functional components
- Maintaining accurate formulation documentation and technical specifications
- Working cross-functionally with Marketing, Commercial and Operations teams
What skills do you need?
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry or related field
- Experience in beverage product development/formulation
- Strong expertise in beverage formulation, ingredient functionality and stability
- Experience taking products from concept through to commercialisation
- Understanding of processing techniques and scale-up challenges
- Strong knowledge of UK/EU food regulations and compliance
- Experience within functional beverages, energy drinks or similar categories
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-growth or startup environments
- Hands-on, detail-oriented and highly innovative approach
- Strong problem-solving skills, balancing taste, function and manufacturability
People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that means people can be their best authentic self.
We would love to reply to all applications, regrettably we are unable to do so due to the high volumes we receive, so if you do not hear back within 14 days unfortunately on this role it won’t be progressing. It is possible that the position could be in the process of closing, so chalk it up to bad timing. But, have no fear! There will be more opportunities. Follow us so you don’t miss them.
Product Development Engineer in Slough employer: Ignite
Join a dynamic FMCG brand in Central London, where innovation and creativity thrive in a collaborative environment. As a Product Development Engineer, you'll enjoy competitive salaries, a hands-on role in product formulation, and the chance to work with cross-functional teams to bring exciting new products to market. With a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, this company offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the fast-paced food and drinks sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Engineer in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the FMCG sector, especially those who work in product development. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of past projects or successful formulations, bring it along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss trends! Stay updated on the latest in beverage formulation and FMCG innovations. This shows you’re passionate and knowledgeable, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are eager to join us. Plus, it gives you a better chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Engineer in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Development Engineer role. Highlight your experience in beverage formulation and any relevant projects that showcase your hands-on approach and problem-solving skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about product development in the FMCG sector and how your background aligns with our brand's vision and values.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your technical expertise in food science and formulation. Mention specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our rapidly scaling brand!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ignite
✨Know Your Formulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of beverage formulations and ingredient functionalities. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully developed a product from concept to commercialisation.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've tackled technical challenges in product development. Highlight how you balanced taste, function, and manufacturability, as this role demands strong problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand Regulatory Requirements
Familiarise yourself with UK/EU food regulations and compliance standards. Being able to discuss how you've ensured formulations meet these requirements will demonstrate your expertise and attention to detail.
✨Collaborate Effectively
Since this role involves working cross-functionally, think of examples where you've collaborated with different teams, like Marketing or Operations. Show that you can communicate effectively and bring new product concepts to life through teamwork.
