At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development from concept to launch, driving growth and brand performance.
- Company: Join Weetabix, a diverse and inclusive company on an exciting growth journey.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible work, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative on-site environment with excellent career growth and well-stocked kitchens.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and a degree in Food Science or related field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.
At Weetabix, we believe that diverse teams drive better ideas, stronger decisions, and a more inclusive workplace for everyone. We're committed to building an organisation where people from all walks of life feel they belong, where different voices, experiences, and backgrounds are valued and respected.
Weetabix is on an exciting growth journey, and many of the opportunities we are recruiting for are newly created roles. These positions reflect our investment in people, capabilities and innovation as we continue to build for the future.
The Recipe (About the Role)
As NPD Controller (Product & Process), you will own the development and delivery of innovative, consumer-focused products that drive business growth and strengthen brand performance. Working across innovation, renovation, nutrition and value engineering programmes, you will translate insights and emerging trends into commercially successful products, ensuring technical excellence, operational readiness and scalable manufacturing solutions. You will also play a key role in shaping future products and capabilities through the adoption of new technologies and continuous improvement.
- Own product and process development projects from concept to launch, delivering scalable, consumer-focused solutions.
- Drive innovation, renovation and nutrition programmes that support business growth and brand performance.
- Develop and optimise products, balancing consumer appeal, quality, nutrition and commercial goals.
- Ensure successful factory scale-up, launch readiness and compliance with technical, quality and regulatory standards.
- Use consumer insight, market trends and emerging technologies to identify new product opportunities.
- Own value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and optimise costs.
- Work across functions to deliver innovation and provide technical expertise that supports business decisions.
- Manage development systems, data and governance to ensure accuracy, visibility and effective risk management.
- Own and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture of safety, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to long-term business strategy, shaping future product capabilities and development priorities.
The Ingredients (What we need from you)
- Experience in food product development and process engineering within an FMCG environment.
- Strong knowledge of food science, ingredients, processing technologies, and manufacturing scale-up.
- Proven track record of delivering new products from concept through to launch.
- Knowledge of food safety, quality, nutrition and regulatory requirements.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to balance consumer, operational and business needs.
- Ability to translate consumer and market insights into successful product solutions.
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional communication skills.
- Experience using product lifecycle management and specification systems.
- Knowledge of digital tools, emerging technologies and continuous improvement practices.
- Knowledge of sustainability, value engineering and cost optimisation principles.
- Degree-qualified in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Engineering or a related discipline.
Your Bowl of Perks (Benefits)
- Competitive salary & Annual Flexible benefits
- Annual bonus
- Double-matched pension scheme (up to 12% from us)
- 25 days annual leave increasing with service
- Annual Salary review
- Healthcare plan
- Discounted Weetabix products
To support our employees, we also offer:
- Continued investment in your personal development
- As well as your holiday entitlement, you can purchase up to 5 days of additional annual leave
- Access to 24/7 counselling service (via Grocery Aid partnership)
- The freedom of Flexible Work Opportunities
- Enhanced Maternity / Paternity / Adoption Leave
- Additional Time Off for Fertility Treatment and Neonatal Care
- Working Parents Support Group
- Fully stocked kitchens filled with our delicious products for you to enjoy
Please note: We benchmark roles based on your skills and experience, so we do not advertise fixed salary ranges. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this position; therefore, we are seeking candidates who do not require sponsorship.
NPD Controller (Product & Process) - Burton Latimer in Aspley Guise employer: The Weetabix Food Company
At Weetabix, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. Located in Burton Latimer, our collaborative culture encourages innovation and personal growth, supported by a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible working policies, a double-matched pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to be part of a company that not only prioritises your career but also your well-being and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Controller (Product & Process) - Burton Latimer in Aspley Guise
✨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 Weetabix Food Company.
✨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 Weetabix Food Company!
✨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 Weetabix Food Company, 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 Weetabix Food Company, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Controller (Product & Process) - Burton Latimer in Aspley Guise
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at The Weetabix Food Company, 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 Weetabix Food Company.
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 Weetabix Food Company. 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 Weetabix Food Company. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Weetabix Food Company
✨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 Weetabix Food Company’s mission.
