At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative food products from concept to launch while collaborating with diverse teams.
- 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 Reading employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading international food manufacturer in Buckinghamshire, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. As a Product Development Technologist, you'll thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, working on high-profile projects that shape the future of food. With ample career development opportunities and a competitive benefits package, this is an excellent place for passionate professionals eager to make a meaningful impact in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Technologist in Reading
✨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 best product development projects. Include recipes, trial results, and any innovative solutions you've come up with. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with factory trials, ingredient functionality, and how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects. Confidence in your expertise can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in food innovation. Keep an eye on our job listings and get your application in – we’d love to see what you can bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Technologist in Reading
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 any relevant projects or achievements in food manufacturing or product development to catch our eye!
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 experience with product trials and cross-functional teamwork.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We love candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess. Include examples of how you've tackled challenges in product development, especially those involving texture analysis or ingredient functionality. This will set you apart!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ingredients, formulations, and food processing technologies. Being able to discuss how different components interact in product development will show your technical expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in previous projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating your analytical skills and ability to overcome obstacles in product development.
✨Understand Consumer Trends
Familiarise yourself with current consumer trends in the food industry. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence product development and innovation, showing that you can align your ideas with the company's goals for growth and sustainability.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working cross-functionally, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you can bring diverse perspectives together to drive innovation.
