At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting food product development from concept to launch, ensuring quality and creativity.
- Company: Dynamic food business focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team where your ideas can thrive and grow.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in food manufacturing, project management skills, and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you a hands-on foodie who loves turning concepts into commercially successful products? We’re working with a dynamic and growing food business that’s looking for a confident, customer-facing Product Developer to take ownership of exciting NPD projects from brief through to launch. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where creativity, collaboration and commercial thinking all come together, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact.
Role Overview
This role sits at the heart of innovation, leading the development of new and improved products from initial customer brief through to factory implementation. You’ll be the key link between internal teams and external customers, ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality. With a strong focus on collaboration and customer engagement, you’ll bring ideas to life whilst managing the entire development journey.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead product development from customer brief to factory implementation
- Manage critical paths, ensuring on-time, in-budget product launches
- Contribute to brainstorming sessions and present ideas to stakeholders and customers
- Input and manage recipes within internal systems, ensuring alignment with cost targets
- Complete all required product and development submission documentation
- Source and evaluate new raw materials in line with quality, cost and approval standards
- Manage NPD processes including spec sign-off, artwork approval, and label compliance
- Handle technical queries and product specifications
- Manage raw material and finished product samples, ensuring consistency and timely distribution
- Lead weekly NPD meetings and support new business enquiries
- Deliver engaging customer presentations both on-site and externally
- Act as the main point of contact for customers on development and improvement projects
- Oversee end-to-end artwork development, ensuring legal compliance and accuracy
- Collaborate cross-functionally with NPD, manufacturing, quality and supply chain teams
- Support customer visits and follow up on actions
- Organise product samples for reviews, submissions and photography
People Profile
- Minimum 3 years’ experience within food manufacturing across NPD, project management or similar
- Experience in a customer-facing role within a food or beverage environment
- Strong knowledge of food legislation, labelling, artwork and food safety standards
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Food Science, Food Technology or related field preferred
- Passion for food, innovation and emerging trends
- Creative thinker with the ability to deliver commercially viable solutions
- Proven project management skills with experience managing critical paths from concept to launch
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance cost and creativity
- Highly organised with excellent time management skills
- Confident communicator, comfortable presenting to customers and stakeholders
- Strong relationship-building skills across internal and external teams
- Detail-oriented with a proactive, solutions-focused approach
- Systems literate with good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Experience working with brands or retailers is advantageous
We regret we can not offer visa sponsorship and can only consider candidates who hold right to work in the UK.
To apply, please e-mail in strict confidence, with a comprehensive CV, including salary details, quoting the above reference and for the attention of James Constable.
Due to a high volume of responses, we cannot reply to each application individually. If you have not had a response within one week, we are sorry to say your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Product Developer – Food & Drink Innovation in Dover employer: The People Co
Join a vibrant and innovative food business that values creativity and collaboration, making it an exceptional employer for Product Developers. With a strong focus on employee growth and a dynamic work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead exciting new product development projects while working closely with both internal teams and external customers. Located in a fast-paced environment, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the food and drink industry, all while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that encourages professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Developer – Food & Drink Innovation in Dover
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like The People Co.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from The People Co!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like The People Co, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at The People Co, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer – Food & Drink Innovation in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at The People Co, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at The People Co.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to The People Co. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at The People Co. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to The People Co’s mission.
