At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation and launch of innovative food products that excite customers.
- Company: Join a dynamic food business focused on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Be part of a passionate team with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in food innovation while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in culinary development and a strong grasp of food trends.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Overview
We are recruiting an innovative and commercially focused Culinary Development Manager to join a leading food business based in the West Midlands.
Reporting to the Head of Culinary UK, this role is responsible for leading the development and commercialisation of exciting food products that align with customer requirements, market trends, and business growth objectives.
This role combines culinary creativity with commercial awareness and product development expertise, ensuring products are developed to the highest standards of quality, scalability, and customer satisfaction.
The successful candidate will work closely with customers, suppliers, sales, and cross-functional teams to bring concepts from idea through to launch while supporting innovation and continuous improvement across the business.
This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate food professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building strong customer relationships, driving innovation, and developing commercially successful products.
About you
- Previous experience within a Culinary Development, NPD, or Product Development role within food manufacturing or foodservice.
- Strong understanding of food trends, market insights and customer-led product development.
- Commercially aware with the ability to develop products that balance quality, cost and operational feasibility.
- Experience working closely with customers, suppliers and cross functional teams within a fast paced food environment.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the confidence to present products to customers and stakeholders.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and development briefs simultaneously.
What will you be doing?
- Leading the development and commercialisation of innovative food products from concept through to launch.
- Building and maintaining strong working relationships with customers and suppliers through regular communication and collaboration.
- Managing customer development projects and responding positively and proactively to customer briefs and requests.
- Working cross-functionally with Sales teams to identify and pursue opportunities with new and existing customers.
- Developing commercially viable products that support business growth and enhance the company product portfolio.
- Researching food trends, market opportunities and competitor activity to identify new development opportunities.
- Conducting engaging and customer-focused food presentations and product demonstrations.
- Building a thorough understanding of the company product range and evaluating products against competitor offerings.
- Writing clear and concise development briefs and managing projects through the full concept to launch process.
- Working closely with suppliers in both kitchen and factory environments to develop and improve products.
What can they offer you?
An opportunity to join a growing and innovative food business where creativity, collaboration, quality and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything they do.
You’ll become part of a passionate and supportive team with the opportunity to influence product innovation, work closely with customers and suppliers and play a key role in bringing exciting new food products to market.
This role offers the chance to develop your culinary and commercial expertise while making a real impact within a dynamic environment.
Location and eligibility
We are keen to speak with experienced Culinary Development Managers, NPD Managers, Product Development Managers, Development Chefs, Innovation Managers, or Senior NPD Technologists from the food manufacturing or foodservice sectors who live within Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Burton-on-Trent, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Stafford, Lichfield or surrounding areas.
How to apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re JO/TNT/2691 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 for a confidential discussion.
We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
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Culinary Development Manager employer: In The News
Join a leading FMCG manufacturer in the West Midlands, where you can make a significant impact on health, safety, and environmental practices across multiple sites. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the chance to influence safety improvements while working closely with operational teams and senior stakeholders. Enjoy a supportive environment that values continuous improvement and provides various company benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Culinary Development Manager
✨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 In The News.
✨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 In The News!
✨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 In The News, 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 In The News, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Culinary Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at In The News, 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 In The News.
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 In The News. 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 In The News. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at In The News
✨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 In The News’s mission.
