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- Tasks: Lead innovative food product development from concept to launch with a dynamic R&D team.
- Company: Join Rich Products, a family-owned global leader in the food industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, paid time off, and unique in-house taste tests.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive culture that values work-life balance and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while working collaboratively with customers.
- Qualifications: Degree in food science and 2-3 years of experience in food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Andover, GB, SP11 8EZ
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family‑owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in‑store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
Hands on role working with a dedicated and innovative R&D team from product concept to launch. Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and customers to deliver projects on time to the highest possible standards for our customers. This is an all encompassing role covering both proactive platform innovation projects as well as the delivery of customer led briefs through the development of new product from kitchen concepts to a successful launch to market.
- Working with customer teams to agree new product plan by channel / customer
- Plan, manage and deliver new product development projects from concept to launch, meeting project deadlines
- Understand the complexity of recipe and assembly as it relates to the manufacturing line as well as the impact of the cost structure of the overall product
- Develop packaging solutions in parallel with recipe
- Interpretation and delivery of customer brief to agreed cost model and customer needs
- Act as the Voice of the Customer by forming close working relationships with allocated customers to truly understand and deliver their needs
- Preparing costings, nutritional and ingredient declarations
- Working with the category team to understand market trends and be able to translate new product propositions into viable products for our customers
- Support the scale up of kitchen samples to factory trials
- Carry out shelf life from factory trial including the appropriate organoleptic testing
- Complete customer submission forms
- Leverage supplier innovation and manage IP accordingly, seeking every opportunity to own the IP from the outset
- Work with Procurement to source new raw materials where necessary and ensure that MOQ’s, lead time and shelf life support the product feasibility
- Present new product concepts internally and to customers
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
- Degree educated or equivalent in a food discipline, with a minimum of 2-3 years experience within a food manufacturing environment
- Experience of implementing the NPD process from concept to launch
- Bakery or related experience
Rich Products Corporation welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
BRINGING YOUR BEST SELF TO WORK.
As a family-owned company, caring for our associates—their whole selves—is a top priority. That’s why we provide benefits and tools to help our people balance the integration of work and life:
- Competitive compensation
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Family planning support
- Associate resource groups
- Volunteering & community impact opportunities
- Holiday gatherings
- In‑house taste tests (we are a food company after all)!
It’s all part of how we support our family of associates. Because in the company of family, all things are possible.
Development Manager - VAB in Andover employer: Rich Products Corporation
Contact Detail:
Rich Products Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager - VAB in Andover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the food industry, especially those who work at Rich’s. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Dive deep into Rich’s products and their market position. Show us you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about what we do.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your creativity! When discussing your past projects, highlight how you’ve innovated or solved problems. We love seeing how you think outside the box!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Rich’s family. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager - VAB in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Talk about your experiences in the food industry and how they’ve shaped your understanding of product development. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about what we do.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Development Manager role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with our needs—it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the position!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy—just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to potentially joining our family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rich Products Corporation
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Rich's product range and their R&D processes. Familiarise yourself with their new product development (NPD) process and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed product development projects. Highlight your experience in bakery or food manufacturing, and how you’ve tackled challenges from concept to launch. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Understand the Customer
Rich's emphasises the importance of understanding customer needs. Prepare to discuss how you've previously acted as the 'Voice of the Customer' in your projects. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build relationships and deliver on customer briefs effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about their current R&D projects or how they envision the future of product development at Rich's. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into the company culture and expectations.