At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative food and drink products that excite customers and drive sales.
- Company: Join SOHO Coffee, a vibrant brand passionate about quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of food and drink.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in product development within the food industry; retail experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Cheltenham (min. 3 days a week)
Reporting to: Director of Food and Marketing
Contract Type: Full Time
Job Purpose
To create a market leading food and drink offering that SOHO Coffee can be proud of, by continuously driving creativity and fantastic quality, all of which create repeat customers and drive sales. This role will bring ideas, trends and flavours and be responsible for taking them from concept to launch, into viable, profitable products sold across the SOHO Coffee estate. A big foodie, with endless creativity and a passion for great tasting food and drink, they will work closely with the wider teams to deliver this and meet customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and develop new food & drink products based on market & global trends, customer needs & feedback, and business strategy
- Drive continuous improvement across existing products and categories
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Supply Chain, Technical and Marketing
- Work closely with Store Teams, Central Production Kitchen and Operations, to ensure simplicity and their ability to deliver consistency
- Manage product development timelines within the gated process, and all associated documentation and systems
- Collaborate with Finance to ensure products are commercially viable
- Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging ingredients and products
- Maintain the standards within the Development Kitchen, making it a proud and comfortable place to work in
- Be the champions for all things SOHO Food & Drink
Required Qualifications and Experience
- 2+ years experience product development or R&D within the food industry. Retail experience would be preferred
- Expertise of working with a range of different food categories
- Experience working with external suppliers
Skills and Competencies
- Hugely creative and passionate about great quality food and drink
- Bold and confident to push boundaries within innovation, not being afraid to fail
- Stores and customers first mentality
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Excellent attention to detail, with proactive and solutions-focused mindset
- Good IT skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
- Excellent collaborator and team player
Food and Coffee Developer in Cheltenham employer: OFFICE
SOHO Coffee is an exceptional employer located in Cheltenham, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the food and drink sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, team members are encouraged to push boundaries and develop market-leading products while enjoying a supportive environment. The company values its employees by providing opportunities for professional development and ensuring a comfortable workspace, making it an ideal place for passionate foodies to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food and Coffee Developer in Cheltenham
✨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 OFFICE.
✨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 OFFICE!
✨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 OFFICE, 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 OFFICE, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Food and Coffee Developer in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at OFFICE, 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 OFFICE.
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 OFFICE. 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 OFFICE. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at OFFICE
✨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 OFFICE’s mission.
