At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join innocent, a brand known for creativity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, coaching opportunities, and work in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent growth potential and exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on delicious, nutritious drinks while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in food science or related field; experience in product development required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role sits in the Innovation Ventures team – the part of the R&D team that develops new products to supercharge innocent into new categories and delivers 'R&D enabler' projects to pave the way to future innovation. Reporting to the Innovation Ventures Team Leader, this role combines hands-on product development with driving enabler workstreams, aligned with innocent's strategy and values. The role also involves providing coaching and practical support to less experienced team members. Cross-functional and collaborative working - with key internal and external stakeholders - is a key element to this role.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead innovation projects from brief to delivery including:
- Early-stage feasibility mapping
- Setting up and delivering benchmarking sessions to map key in-market competitor set
- Planning and leading innovation safaris to stay abreast of relevant trends & share key findings across innocent function
- Working to deliver against product brief including costings, nutrition, sensory and product safety
- Kitchen recipe scoping and scalability testing
- Planning, running and reporting on pilot and factory trials including QAS (Quality Attribute Sheets) creation and shelf-life testing
- Working closely with cross-functional team including project managers, brand, insights, procurement and technical/regulatory colleagues to deliver product development projects through the Stage Gate process
- Lead R&D enabler projects including:
- Creation and management of project aims and objectives, timelines and budgets
- Close collaborative partnering with strategic suppliers, universities/research institutions and relevant teams within The Coca Cola Company to deliver against key project aims
- Delivering product tastings to support customer meetings and internal meetings e.g. product sign offs and updates with senior managers, product updates to marketing colleagues etc.
- Preparation and delivery of Innovation Ventures update presentations to a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
- Coaching and guiding more junior team members
This role requires:
- A formal qualification in a relevant subject area, e.g. food science, food technology
- Experience in product development in the food and drink industry
- A good understanding and demonstrable practical experience of food safety, food quality and Good Manufacturing Practice
- Great taste buds and a creative flair for developing delicious, nutritious fruit and veg based drinks
- Great presentation skills and the ability to convey complex topics in simple terms to a wide range of stakeholders
- Prior experience that demonstrates problem solving skills and ability to manage multiple complex projects efficiently and effectively.
- Ability to work proactively and independently whilst consulting with and informing colleagues, your manager and Senior Managers.
- Proven ability to work with multiple cross-functional teams internally as well as building and maintaining relationships with strategic partners.
Product Development Expert in London employer: Innocent Drinks
At innocent, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture. As a Product Development Expert in our Innovation Ventures team, you'll enjoy the opportunity to lead exciting projects while receiving support for your professional growth through coaching and mentorship. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and employee well-being, combined with our dynamic London location, makes innocent a truly rewarding place to advance your career in the food and drink industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Expert 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 Innocent Drinks.
✨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 Innocent Drinks!
✨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 Innocent Drinks, 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 Innocent Drinks, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Expert in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Innocent Drinks, 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 Innocent Drinks.
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 Innocent Drinks. 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 Innocent Drinks. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innocent Drinks
✨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 Innocent Drinks’s mission.
