At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative food products that delight customers and set industry standards.
- Company: Join Waitrose & Partners, the UK's largest employee-owned business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food with your creativity and passion for quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and a love for culinary innovation.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 90000 £ per year.
Ready to shape the future of food? At Waitrose & Partners, we don't just sell products, we craft food experiences. We are relentlessly focused on being the UK's most loved, trusted, and innovative own brand, setting the industry standard for Quality and Sustainability. We are looking for a visionary Product Developer to drive the creation of high-quality, differentiated 'Own Brand' products. This role is the commercial heart of development, demanding you balance culinary creativity with strategic retail reality.
- Salary: £62,000- £90,000 per annum based on skill and experience
- Contract type: Temporary / secondment position until July 2027
- Working pattern/flexible working: 35 hours per week. The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business.
- Location: Bracknell Head Office 3 days per week, with supplier visits required as and when.
- Interviews: for this role we are looking for interviews to be held end of June/ Early July
The Category the successful candidate will look after will be Meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs.
Key responsibilities:- Develops and delivers new & improved innovative, quality focussed and differentiated products, aligned to Own brand values whilst understanding and managing the commercial implications of development in the grocery environment.
- Builds, strengthens and owns the NPD relationships between Waitrose and suppliers within the projects being worked on. Ambassador of Own Brand values.
- You will work closely with the cross functional category teams in Waitrose trading, external suppliers, Customer Insight, Chef & Innovation, Own Brand & NPD programme teams, Technical & Quality, Packaging, Design & Repro, Legal, Compliance & Policy, Nutrition & Agriculture, & PR, depending on projects & according to RACI.
- A passion for product.
- Previous product development experience within Manufacturing or Retail.
- Experience in launching major NPD/Brand projects.
- Proven track record of high quality, commercially successful product development & supplier management. Strong creative skills in food, grocery, Horti.
- Good analysis skills and capable of analysing sales & insight data.
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
At Waitrose, we LOVE food, and we’re all about creating truly extraordinary shopping experiences by sharing our passion with our food loving customers.
Senior Product Developer in Bracknell employer: Jlp Insights & Media Website
At Waitrose & Partners, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. Our Bracknell Head Office offers a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility while you contribute to innovative food experiences that align with our commitment to quality and sustainability. With a focus on personal and professional growth, we empower our Partners to thrive in their roles, making meaningful contributions to our cherished brand.
Contact Details:
Jlp Insights & Media Website Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Developer in Bracknell
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Jlp Insights & Media Website face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
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✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Jlp Insights & Media Website during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Jlp Insights & Media Website. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Developer in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Jlp Insights & Media Website immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Jlp Insights & Media Website – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jlp Insights & Media Website
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Jlp Insights & Media Website. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Jlp Insights & Media Website's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
