At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting food product development projects from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team passionate about food innovation.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a mix of office and factory work, plus travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the food industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science, 2-3 years in product development, and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a passionate and creative Senior Product Developer to join our RDQ team and play a key role in bringing innovative, high‑quality food products to market. Reporting to the NPD Manager, you’ll manage development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring products meet quality, safety, customer, and commercial expectations while following established NPD processes and procedures. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven foodie with chilled product development experience who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Project Management
- Lead customer and brand development projects from brief to launch
- Ensure all NPD procedures and documentation are completed accurately and on time
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams to keep projects on track
- Organise and facilitate project meetings
- Troubleshoot challenges and raise risks where required
- Concept Development
- Develop innovative and commercially viable products
- Ensure feasibility, costing, and benchmarking processes are followed
- Manage internal tastings and customer submissions
- Work closely with Procurement, Technical, and Operations teams on new ingredients and packaging
- Ensure products meet customer, brand, and factory standards
- Process Development
- Support and run PPRs and factory trials
- Maintain accurate product files and technical documentation
- Ensure compliance with BRC standards and audit readiness
- Coordinate shelf‑life, nutritional, artwork, and product quality information
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation across products and processes
- Support product launches and customer approvals
- Customer Relationship Management
- Act as a key NPD contact for customers and brand teams
- Build strong customer relationships through effective communication
- Work collaboratively with Sales and Technical teams to deliver a consistent customer approach
- Stay informed on customer standards and expectations
- Teamwork & Leadership
- Deputise for the NPD Manager when required
- Support and mentor placement students
- Contribute to departmental budget management
- Champion cross‑functional collaboration and Hain values
- Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic working environment
What We’re Looking For
- Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Food Science or a related discipline
- Basic culinary skills
- 2–3 years’ experience in product development
- Experience within chilled food manufacturing
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Proven track record of delivering commercially successful products
- Basic financial understanding
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Personal Attributes
- Creative, innovative, and passionate about food
- Collaborative and relationship‑focused
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Positive, enthusiastic, and proactive mindset
- Ability to work cross‑functionally at all levels
- Full UK driving licence
Working Environment
- Primarily office‑based with regular work in chilled factory and kitchen environments
- Travel to suppliers, customers, and other company sites will be required
- Occasional overnight stays and flexibility around working hours may be needed
Why Join Us
You’ll be joining a collaborative and forward‑thinking business where innovation, continuous improvement, and teamwork are at the heart of what we do. This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact on exciting product launches while developing your career within a supportive environment. Apply now to help shape the future of food innovation.
Senior Product Developer employer: The Hain Celestial Group
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Senior Product Developer, where your passion for food will thrive in a collaborative environment. Our company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth while working on exciting product launches that make a real impact in the food industry. With a focus on innovation and quality, you'll be part of a forward-thinking business that values your contributions and supports your career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about chatting with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas and experiences related to product development. Let them see your creativity and enthusiasm – it’s what sets you apart from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in chilled product development. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your creativity and enthusiasm for product development. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in chilled food manufacturing and project management. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for!
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. We love a well-structured application that clearly outlines your qualifications and achievements without unnecessary fluff.
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Hain Celestial Group
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's product range, especially their chilled food items. Familiarise yourself with their latest launches and any innovative concepts they’ve introduced. This will not only show your passion for food but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their product development goals.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've managed from concept to launch. Highlight your organisational skills and how you coordinated cross-functional teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it clear how you overcame challenges and delivered successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since teamwork is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you've worked collaboratively with different departments like Procurement, Technical, and Sales. Share anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively, ensuring everyone is on the same page throughout the development process.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of BRC standards, nutritional information, and product quality compliance. Expect questions about how you ensure products meet safety and customer expectations. Being well-versed in these areas will show that you’re not just creative but also detail-oriented and committed to high-quality standards.
