At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative food products from concept to launch, tackling exciting challenges.
- Company: Leading international food manufacturer focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and exposure to breakthrough technologies.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for global collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in food innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a leading international food manufacturer operating across highly competitive FMCG markets. The business is continuing to invest heavily in innovation, sustainability, product transformation and future-focused technologies, with a strong emphasis on delivering category-leading products that meet evolving consumer and customer expectations.
This is an exciting opportunity for a Product Development / Innovation professional to join a global innovation and technology team focused on delivering breakthrough product development projects from concept through to pilot and factory trial stage. The successful candidate will support the delivery of an ambitious innovation pipeline, working closely with cross-functional teams to translate commercial and consumer insights into technically viable product solutions.
Key Responsibilities- Develop recipes and product concepts in line with technical and commercial briefs
- Support the creation and delivery of innovative product solutions aligned to consumer trends and business growth objectives
- Prepare bench samples and support pilot plant and factory trials
- Assist in overcoming technical development challenges through structured problem-solving and experimentation
- Work closely with ingredient and equipment suppliers to identify new materials, technologies and processes
- Conduct analytical and technical assessments including texture, rheology and product performance evaluation
- Analyse trial data and provide recommendations for next development stages
- Support the completion of technical documentation including specifications, quality attributes and project records
- Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed quality, cost and timeline expectations
- Collaborate with commercial, operations, technical and regional teams to support innovation delivery across multiple markets
- Contribute to sustainability, reformulation and continuous improvement initiatives
- Maintain safe and hygienic working standards within development and trial environments
- Experience within Product Development, NPD or Innovation in FMCG or food manufacturing
- Strong understanding of product development processes from concept through to launch
- Experience supporting factory trials and pilot plant activities
- Comfortable working cross-functionally within fast-paced manufacturing environments
- Strong technical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret trial and product data
- Understanding of ingredients, formulations and food processing technologies
- Organised with good project management and documentation skills
- Able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers
- Passion for food innovation, consumer trends and continuous improvement
- Experience within ambient food products
- Knowledge of texture analysis, rheology or ingredient functionality
- Experience supporting sustainability or reformulation projects
- Exposure to global or multi-site product development projects
- Opportunity to work on high-profile innovation projects
- Exposure to global product development and breakthrough technologies
- Collaborative and fast-paced innovation environment
- Career development opportunities within a large international food business
- Competitive salary and benefits package
Product Development Technologist in Cheltenham employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd
As a leading international food manufacturer based in Buckinghamshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that prioritises sustainability and product excellence. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive career development opportunities and collaborative environment, where you will work alongside cross-functional teams on high-profile projects that shape the future of food. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering category-leading products while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Technologist in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those working in product development. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous product development projects, including any innovative solutions you've contributed to. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of current consumer trends. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects and how you can contribute to sustainability initiatives. We want to see your passion for food innovation!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Technologist in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Product Development Technologist role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any innovative projects you've worked on, as we love to see how you can contribute to our ambitious innovation pipeline.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food innovation and how your background aligns with our goals. Be specific about your experiences with product development processes and any technical challenges you've overcome.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re looking for someone with strong technical and analytical skills. In your application, mention any relevant experience with texture analysis, rheology, or ingredient functionality. This will help us see how you can tackle the technical challenges we face in product development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ingredients and formulations. Be ready to discuss how different components affect product development and how you can leverage them to create innovative solutions.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in previous roles. Highlight your structured approach to problem-solving and experimentation, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Consumer Trends
Familiarise yourself with current consumer trends in the food industry. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence product development and how you can contribute to creating category-leading products.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Emphasise your ability to work cross-functionally. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with different teams, as this role requires strong teamwork to deliver innovative projects.
