At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product development from concept to launch in the food industry.
- Company: Join a leading chilled and frozen food business known for innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, travel opportunities, and a collaborative team culture.
- Why this job: Influence products on supermarket shelves and work with passionate food innovators.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and a food-related degree preferred.
- Other info: Visa sponsorship is not available; UK right to work required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Company
Join a well-respected, multi-site chilled and frozen food business, known for supplying multiple customer channels including the UK’s leading supermarkets, QSR and B2B customers with high-quality, innovative food products. With a strong reputation for excellence, product innovation, and customer satisfaction, this company is expanding and seeking a talented Product Manager to strengthen its Product Development team.
The Role
This hybrid role is an exciting opportunity to manage critical paths and customer interactions to ensure the successful launch of both new and existing food products. You’ll work across a broad category range to ensure products are commercially viable, on-brand, and on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end development of products in response to customer briefs
- Coordinate with suppliers across Europe and further afield on product development
- Handle critical path timelines to deliver projects on schedule
- Communicate daily with customers and suppliers, maintaining development documentation
- Prepare and present samples and innovation presentations to UK customers
- Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, supply chain, technical, and overseas teams
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal NPD processes
- Support artwork and packaging creation for UK retail products
- Monitor trends and maintain detailed category knowledge
People Profile
- Proven experience in food product development and customer management
- Excellent project management skills and commercial awareness
- Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for food and innovation
- Ability to work independently while thriving in a team environment
- Food-related degree (or equivalent experience) preferred
What’s In It For You
- Be part of a dynamic and growing business with a collaborative culture
- Hybrid working flexibility
- Influence products seen on supermarket shelves across the UK
- Opportunities to travel and present to major retail clients
- Work with a passionate team driven by quality and innovation
We regret we cannot 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 Development Manager (Food Manufacturing)) employer: The People Co.
Contact Detail:
The People Co. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager (Food Manufacturing))
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food product development. Understanding what’s currently popular in the market can help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show how you can contribute to the company's innovative approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with others in the field. This can lead to valuable insights and potentially even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your project management experience. Be ready to explain how you've successfully managed timelines and collaborated with cross-functional teams in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Product Development Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s product range and recent innovations. Being knowledgeable about their offerings will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in their work, making you a more appealing candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager (Food Manufacturing))
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in food product development and customer management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your project management skills and commercial awareness, as these are key for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and innovation. Mention how your background aligns with the company's values and the specific responsibilities of the Product Development Manager role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any experience you have with managing critical paths and coordinating with suppliers. This will show that you understand the complexities of product development in the food industry.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in food product development.
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co.
✨Showcase Your Product Development Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in food product development. Highlight specific projects where you managed the end-to-end process, focusing on how you ensured products were commercially viable and met customer expectations.
✨Demonstrate Strong Project Management Skills
Since project management is crucial for this role, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully handled critical path timelines. Discuss any tools or methodologies you used to keep projects on track and how you communicated with stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
As the role involves daily communication with customers, think of scenarios where you effectively managed customer relationships. Be ready to explain how you handled feedback and adapted product development based on customer needs.
✨Stay Updated on Food Trends
Research current trends in the food industry, especially those relevant to chilled and frozen products. Being knowledgeable about market demands will show your passion for innovation and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.