Food Development Specialist in Alderton, Suffolk
About the role
About the role
We're looking for a Food Development Specialist to take ownership of our growing Oakhouse Foods range — creating high-quality, great-tasting meals that truly make a difference to our customers. This is a unique opportunity to shape products designed for older consumers, the care sector, and NHS settings, where food quality, nutrition, and consistency really matter.
You'll lead both New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) — bringing ideas to life from concept through to launch, while ensuring every product delivers commercially and meets the highest standards.
Location: Chippenham — Oakhouse Foods (part of Pilgrim's Europe)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday (office-based role)
What you'll be doing:
- Own the end-to-end product development process from concept to launch
- Create and deliver seasonal and insight-led product ranges
- Champion food quality, taste, texture and nutritional integrity
- Use data, customer feedback and performance insights to shape decisions
- Balance commercial targets (cost, margin) with product excellence
- Develop and refine recipes with a strong understanding of ingredients and functionality
- Lead tastings, benchmarking, and continuous product improvements
- Manage multiple projects and critical paths to ensure timely delivery
- Collaborate cross-functionally with brand, commercial, supply chain and technical teams
- Work closely with suppliers and support factory trials to ensure scalability
What we're looking for:
- Experience in food product development, ideally within frozen or ready meals
- Strong understanding of food quality, flavour, ingredients and nutrition
- Commercial awareness with the ability to balance cost, margin and customer value
- Ability to turn data and insight into actionable product decisions
- Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple workstreams
- Knowledge of food safety and quality standards (HACCP, BRC)
- Confident communicator who can influence stakeholders and partners
Qualifications:
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Food Science, Nutrition, Food Technology or Culinary Arts
- HACCP / Food Safety certifications (desirable)
- Experience with specialist diets (e.g. texture-modified foods) is a plus
Why join Pilgrim's Europe?
- At Pilgrim's Europe, we offer more than just a role — we offer the chance to build a career in a fast-paced, growing food business.
- Be part of a company where quality and innovation drive everything
- Work on products that have a real impact on people's lives
- Join a collaborative, supportive team with strong values
- Opportunities for career development and progression
- A culture built on Ownership, Simplicity and Determination
Ready to apply?
If you're passionate about food, driven by quality, and excited by the challenge of creating products that truly matter — we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of Oakhouse Foods at Pilgrim's Europe!
Your tasks
Lead the creation of delicious, high-quality meals for older consumers and the care sector.
Your profile
Experience in food product development and a degree in Food Science or related field.
What's also included
Career development opportunities, supportive team culture, and impactful work.
Tech stack & ways of working
Food Development Specialist in Alderton, Suffolk employer: Pilgrims Europe
At Pilgrim's Europe, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises food safety and quality excellence. Our team in Attleborough benefits from continuous professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to innovation in food safety practices, making it a rewarding place to grow your career.
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in people's lives through food that matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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 Pilgrims Europe.
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 Pilgrims Europe!
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 Pilgrims Europe, 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 Pilgrims Europe, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects
When applying for a role in food science and technology at Pilgrims Europe, 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 Pilgrims Europe.
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 Pilgrims Europe. 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 Pilgrims Europe. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
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 Pilgrims Europe’s mission.
Locations
- Suffolk
- Alderton
