At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch, driving innovation with key retail customers.
- Company: Established business known for quality and customer service in the food industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work-life balance, and strong support for career growth.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and mentorship from a progressive Development Director.
- Why this job: Shape new product concepts and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and managing retail accounts is essential.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.
This NPD role works across the full spectrum from concept to launch, working with commercial and category teams and contributing to both own-label and branded development. Working on two retail accounts there is a great opportunity here to make your mark driving the innovation with key customers on top tier products, making a real mark in the business and supporting your own future development. It’s an excellent role if you’re looking to progress your career and want greater autonomy in shaping new product concepts.
Reporting to the Development Director, you’ll have strong support from both NPD and Category teams to help you grow and develop. The Director brings a refreshing, progressive approach, offering genuine autonomy and a mentoring style that’s hard to overlook.
You’ll need to bring solid product development expertise and the confidence to work directly with retail customers, so experience managing and developing retail accounts is essential. This role is ideal for an experienced Technologist or Product Development Manager looking to broaden their creative skills in a fast‑paced, rapidly evolving category.
A flexible approach to give a better work-life balance with three days on site, one with the customer and one WFH.
The Business:
- A long-established business within their chosen product category
- Agile and decisive
- Strong reputation across their product ranges
- Robust supply chain
- Standout position due to customer service and quality
- Constantly driving innovation within their market category
What does your development background need to look like for this role?
- Experience in product development in the food industry
- Comfortable and confident dealing directly with retail customers
- Experience managing the product life cycle from concept to launch in deadline-driven environments
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think laterally
- A genuine love of food and the industry
- Experience working in manufacturing within retail food production
- Confident, enthusiastic and able to engage with peers and stakeholders at all levels
- Passion for product development and the ability to keep project plans up to date
- Able to manage the critical path and collaborate cross-functionally to meet deadlines
- Highly organised, able to coordinate multi-stakeholder projects
Please get in touch with us to learn more about this opportunity. We work around your schedule. Please send your CV to Sarah in the Novus Team without delay.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager in Chester
✨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 Novus Recruitment.
✨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 Novus Recruitment!
✨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 Novus Recruitment, 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 Novus Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Novus Recruitment, 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 Novus Recruitment.
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 Novus Recruitment. 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 Novus Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novus Recruitment
✨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 Novus Recruitment’s mission.
