At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch, driving innovation and collaboration.
- Company: Heler Foods, a family-run dairy evolving into a forward-thinking food manufacturer.
- Benefits: Strong career progression, supportive team culture, and exciting product development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to continuous improvement and high-quality standards.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food with innovative projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG product development and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
At Heler Foods, our people are part of our extended Heler Family — the driving force behind everything we do. From crafting award-winning cheeses to delivering service that sets new standards, we work together to shape the future of food.
Rooted in tradition and growing into the future, we’re bold, ambitious and proud of where we’re going next. Every colleague has a voice here — and every step you take helps move us forward.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We’re looking for a talented and driven Product Development Manager to lead end-to-end product development across branded and own-label categories. This is a pivotal role where you’ll take ownership of innovation and development projects — working cross-functionally and directly with customers to bring high-quality, commercially successful products to market.
In this role, you will:
- Lead & Deliver
- Lead product development from concept through to launch
- Manage critical paths, timelines and NPD trackers
- Ensure full adherence to the Product Launch Process
- Build strong, proactive relationships with customers and internal stakeholders
- Flex across customer accounts and priorities as required
- Discover & Create
- Drive innovation pipelines using market trends, consumer insight and customer briefs
- Develop and present new product concepts aligned to brand and category strategy
- Collaborate with Technical, Commercial and Process teams to ensure feasibility and cost alignment
- Source ingredients and packaging solutions in line with business strategy
- Influence and shape customer briefs through insight and ideas
- Develop & Feasibility
- Refine products to meet taste, quality, technical and commercial requirements
- Lead or support customer presentations and submissions
- Manage development cycles to ensure feasibility and alignment to brief
- Ensure accurate costings in collaboration with Finance and Commercial teams
- Coordinate cross-functional input to deliver robust product solutions
- Verify & Launch
- Support scale-up from kitchen to factory, ensuring product integrity is maintained
- Attend factory trials and validate product quality and performance
- Ensure packaging, specifications and artwork meet required standards
- Support launch readiness and cross-functional delivery of product launches
- Review & Improve
- Lead and contribute to post-launch reviews
- Monitor product performance, quality and commercial success
- Drive continuous improvement and maintain high product standards
ABOUT YOU
You’re an experienced product developer with a passion for food and a track record of delivering in a fast-paced FMCG environment. You’re confident leading projects, influencing stakeholders and bringing ideas to life.
Experience & Background
- Experience in product development within FMCG (ideally chilled food)
- Proven track record of successful product launches
- Strong ability to build relationships and influence at all levels
- Food-related degree
- 3–5 years’ experience in a retail or FMCG product development role
Key Skills
- Strong understanding of the product launch process
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Confident presenter, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders
- Strong planning, organisation and project management capability
- Commercial awareness and analytical thinking
- Understanding of UK and European food regulations
Personal Qualities
- Genuine passion for food and innovation
- Self-motivated, energetic and adaptable
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions at pace
- Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills
- High integrity and ability to build trust
- Confident working with stakeholders at all levels
WHY JOIN HELER FOODS?
Because we don’t just offer jobs — we shape careers. From our roots as a family-run dairy to a forward-thinking food manufacturer, we combine tradition with innovation to stay ahead of the curve.
Here, you’ll find:
- Strong development and progression opportunities
- A collaborative and supportive team environment
- A culture driven by curiosity and continuous improvement
- The opportunity to work on exciting, high-quality food products
- A business committed to doing things the right way
JOIN THE EXTENDED HELER FAMILY
If you’re ready to help shape the future of food at Heler Foods, we’d love to hear from you. Heler Foods: Rooted in tradition. Growing into the future.
Product Development Manager in Nantwich employer: QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD
At Heler Foods, we pride ourselves on being more than just an employer; we are a family that values collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. Located in the picturesque Nantwich, our team enjoys a supportive work culture that fosters creativity and offers strong development opportunities, allowing you to shape your career while working on exciting food products. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that is committed to doing things the right way and making a meaningful impact in the food industry.
Contact Detail:
QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager in Nantwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We should know what Heler Foods stands for and be ready to discuss how our skills align with their goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for food and innovation during interviews. Let’s share our ideas and insights about product development trends. This will help us stand out as candidates who are genuinely excited about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Plus, it shows our enthusiasm for the position and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager in Nantwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any successful product launches you've been part of. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food and innovation. Share specific examples of how you've led projects or influenced stakeholders in the past — we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your project management and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple priorities and build strong relationships, so make sure these come through in your application.
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, we love seeing applications come in through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD
✨Know Your Product Development Process
Make sure you’re well-versed in the product launch process. Familiarise yourself with each stage, from concept to launch, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated these steps in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Innovation Skills
Prepare examples of how you've driven innovation in past projects. Highlight any market trends or consumer insights you've used to develop new products, as this will resonate with their focus on creativity and quality.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Research Heler Foods and understand their brand values and product lines. If possible, connect with current employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your responses.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Challenges
Think of specific challenges you've faced in product development and how you overcame them. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, so demonstrating your ability to make decisions under pressure will impress the interviewers.
