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- Tasks: Lead product development and bring innovative food products to market.
- Company: Simply Lunch, a family-owned food-to-go manufacturer in London.
- Benefits: Free lunch, social events, training opportunities, and 33 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food innovation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and team management.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to growth and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Simply Lunch is a rapidly growing, private family-owned food-to-go manufacturer based in London. Our commitment to delicious food and our local communities has been central to our South London business since it was founded in 1979. Today, we are as committed as ever to creating high-quality hand-crafted products, made to improve lives and protect our beautiful planet. All our food is handmade at our facility in South London with the same care, love and admiration that we’ve shown since day one. Our talented team fuels the success at Simply Lunch, combining expertise and passion to craft products that improve lives through delicious food.
This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll shape and drive our product development function, bringing delicious, innovative products to market that genuinely improve people’s lives. You’ll take ownership of the NPD strategy, lead cross-functional projects, and act as the key link between internal teams and external customers. If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and have a passion for food innovation, this could be the perfect opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Own, develop, and continuously improve the product development critical path
- Lead projects from concept through to launch, managing all stage gates
- Act as the central point of contact for internal teams and external customers
- Prepare and present key documentation throughout the development process
- Ensure an agile, solutions-focused approach to meet deadlines
- Lead, mentor, and develop the NPD team, managing workload and performance
- Build strong, trusted relationships with customers
- Work closely with chefs to translate briefs into commercially viable, standout products
- Stay ahead of food-to-go market trends and drive innovation
- Conduct benchmarking and gap analysis against competitors
- Develop deep knowledge of products, ingredients, and manufacturing processes
- Foster a high-performance, collaborative team culture
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Qualifications:
- Proven track record in food product development, ideally within the food-to-go category
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and cross-functional requirements
- Experience managing teams and leading departments
- Customer-facing experience, ideally with retail or foodservice clients
Key Skills:
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Process-driven mindset with the ability to improve systems
- Commercial awareness and market insight
- Problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Adaptability in a fast-moving environment
- Ability to influence and drive change
- Passion for food innovation
What You’ll Get in Return
At Simply Lunch, we believe our people are at the heart of our success. We’re committed to creating an environment where you can thrive, grow, and genuinely enjoy coming to work.
- Free lunch and beverages every day
- Regular social events – from summer & Christmas parties to BBQs, pizza days, sweet treats, and even ice cream vans
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- A clear commitment to helping you progress your career
- Cash plan and financial wellbeing support
- Discounted car repairs and MOT
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Access to mental health champions
- Wellbeing and support services
- 33 days annual leave
- One paid charity day each year to support a cause you care about
- Long service awards to celebrate your commitment
Why Join Us?
This is more than just a role, it’s an opportunity to shape the future of product innovation within a fast-growing, ambitious business. You’ll have real ownership, the chance to make an impact, and the support to grow your career.
Diversity and Inclusion
Like many other organisations, we are considering with renewed focus what Diversity means to us. What may have been acceptable a short time ago is not sufficient for the future, so we are dedicating a lot of time and resources to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, especially those who are often excluded or underrepresented. If you feel that you do not see yourself represented either in the cultural sector or in this professional area because of any part of your identity that makes you special, we would especially like to hear from you.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Apply now or get in touch to find out more.
Senior Product Development Manager in Croydon employer: Simply Lunch
Contact Detail:
Simply Lunch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Development Manager in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those who work at Simply Lunch or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food innovation! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your ideas and experiences related to product development. Let them see your enthusiasm and creativity in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Simply Lunch’s products and values. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission of improving lives through delicious food. It’ll show you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the Simply Lunch family right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Development Manager in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences or projects that highlight your passion for food innovation and how it aligns with our mission at Simply Lunch.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your experience directly relates to the role of Senior Product Development Manager.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read and understand your achievements and qualifications. We appreciate clarity!
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 this exciting opportunity at Simply Lunch.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simply Lunch
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Simply Lunch's product range and values. Understand their commitment to quality and innovation in food-to-go. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Product Development Manager, you'll be leading teams and projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to mentor and develop others. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership style.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you've had to overcome challenges in product development or manage tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Connect with Their Values
Simply Lunch places a strong emphasis on community and sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding food innovation and improving lives. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits their culture.