At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food product development projects for iconic brands like Magnum and Ben & Jerry's.
- Company: Join a global FMCG leader known for its creative ice cream products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a modern facility with beautiful outdoor spaces and potential travel across Europe.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting world of food innovation and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 43000 £ per year.
Manpower are currently seeking an interim Senior Product Developer (Food) to work with our global FMCG client The Magnum Ice Cream Company, renowned for brands such as Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Cornetto and Wall's, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment. The position is based at our client's Research & Development facility, at Colworth Science Park, in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire (MK44), accessible by car or shuttle bus from Bedford train station.
This is a full-time temporary role to run until mid-March 2027, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £43,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience. The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.
The EU Ice Cream Research Development and Innovation (RD&I) team is the driving force behind the creation and delivery of benefit-led, innovative ice cream products across our world-renowned global, premium, and regional brands. The team embrace agile innovation and are fully connected to countries and markets to land global, regional, and local projects in the markets.
In this role you will be the RD&I first point of contact in an area of the portfolio. You will lead projects in close partnership across functions (Marketing; Supply Chain; Procurement) as well as key (external) partners and suppliers. You will manage a portfolio of projects across innovation, quality, complexity and cost reduction, using your understanding of consumer and customer needs to shape and deliver brilliant, sustainable product experiences.
Key Accountabilities- Plan, organise and execute a variety of project types as assigned under guidance from line manager, working closely with RD&I experts from a variety of fields.
- Work closely with marketing teams in global, European and local country teams to define projects scope at start of projects.
- Use your creative talents to develop great products.
- Lead technical delivery of projects, including product concept development; formulation design; lab and pilot plant prototypes; cost calculation; specifications; quality assessments; legislation compliance checks and claims assessments.
- Manage supplier relationships working closely with other functions such as Procurement.
- Lead and manage pilot plant and factory trials for prototype/product development.
- Write and manage specifications and systems data for the products you work on.
- Provide key updates for our Innovation Process Management and other relevant systems.
- Develop selling stories and support Customer Development teams with sell-in meetings.
- Provide support and training for more junior members of the team.
- Experience of leading projects from brief to delivering in-market is essential.
- Must have experience in the food sector - background in food technology or product development preferred.
- Degree level qualification (or equivalent) and/or relevant experience in a technical discipline preferably in food technology or development.
- European language skills are highly desirable.
- Experience of working cross-functionally and with third parties.
- Passion for creative food product design and development.
- Excellent communication and project management skills.
- Attention to detail especially with experimentation, data recording and analysis.
- Time management and priority setting.
- Health & Safety awareness.
Occasional short business-trips within Europe may be required. Colworth Science Park working environment: 9 miles from Bedford, 18 miles from M1, modern working environment in a beautiful, listed building, large green outdoor spaces.
Senior Product Developer (Food) in Luton employer: The Magnum Ice Cream Company
The Magnum Ice Cream Company offers an exceptional working environment at Colworth Science Park, where creativity and innovation thrive in a modern, beautiful setting. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in the FMCG sector, fostering both personal and professional growth. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to iconic brands while enjoying a supportive and dynamic work culture.
Contact Details:
The Magnum Ice Cream Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Developer (Food) in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those connected to the Magnum Ice Cream Company. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along some ideas for innovative ice cream products. This will demonstrate your passion and understanding of the market, making you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your project management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've led projects from concept to market, especially in the food sector. We want to hear about your successes!
✨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 take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Developer (Food) in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Product Developer role. Highlight your experience in food technology and product development, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects you've led from start to finish.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for creative food product design and development. Mention specific brands or projects that excite you about working with The Magnum Ice Cream Company.
Showcase Your Cross-Functional Experience:Since this role involves working closely with marketing and procurement teams, make sure to highlight any cross-functional projects you've been part of. We want to see how you’ve collaborated with others to deliver successful outcomes.
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 at The Magnum Ice Cream Company.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Magnum Ice Cream Company
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the Magnum Ice Cream Company's product range. Familiarise yourself with their brands like Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, and Cornetto. Being able to discuss specific products and your ideas for innovation will show your passion and understanding of the food sector.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of projects you've led from concept to market. Highlight your experience in managing cross-functional teams and working with suppliers. This role requires strong project management skills, so be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Your Creative Side
The role is all about innovative product development, so don’t shy away from showcasing your creative talents. Bring along ideas or concepts for new ice cream flavours or products that align with the company’s ethos. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and contribute to their agile innovation process.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions. Ask about the team dynamics, the types of projects you might work on, or how they measure success in product development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
