At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting product development projects from concept to launch in the snacks category.
- Company: Join Vilgain, a fast-growing food company on a mission to revolutionise how we think about food.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks of vacation, flexible hours, and monthly shopping credits.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a vibrant team culture and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while working with innovative food products.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in NPD or project management in the food industry; love for food is essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Vilgain makes high-quality food - clean, functional ingredients, no shortcuts, no filler additives. We're 700+ people across Prague, Brno and London, already selling in 12+ markets across Europe, the UK, the US and beyond. We're on a mission to change how people think about food, and we're growing fast to do it - expanding internationally and building a company where people have a real say in what we make and how we make it, not just a seat at the table.
Your mission
You’ll own specific product development projects from brief to launch, working directly with third-party suppliers and manufacturers. Working closely with the Category Manager, you’ll make sure every project is aligned with the wider category goals and launch plan, and spot the commercial opportunities that will help the category grow.
What will you do?
- Owning end-to-end new product development projects, from initial brief through development to market launch.
- Running projects with third-party manufacturers – sourcing and selecting suppliers and managing those relationships day to day.
- Reporting into the Category Manager and making sure your projects are aligned with the wider category goals and launch plan.
- Building the commercial case for your projects – costings, margins and volumes – and prioritising the opportunities with the highest value.
- Partnering with design, marketing, Regulatory and QA to bring products to market, including briefs, documentation and artwork sign-off.
- Running existing product development (EPD) projects such as product improvements, packaging amends and label corrections.
- Monitoring market trends and identifying new commercial opportunities for the category.
What do we expect from you?
- At least 3 years' experience in NPD, project management or a similar role in the food industry – food experience is essential.
- Experience with private label production and working with third-party manufacturers.
- Highly numerate and financially aware, with the commercial sense to prioritise high-value opportunities.
- Experience in a small business or startup environment – we move quickly, and you'll need to be happy with the fast pace of a rapidly growing business.
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to juggle several projects at once.
- A proactive problem-solver who takes initiative and can work independently.
- A strong communicator who can build good relationships with colleagues, both internally and externally.
- Confident with spreadsheets and project management tools, and actively uses AI tools to work smarter.
- A love for food and a genuine interest in making a difference to the food system.
- Fluent in English.
What we offer:
- Based in London, hybrid – minimum 3 days a week in the office.
- Fast-paced, growing team where your work has a visible impact on the products we launch.
- 5 weeks of vacation, flexible hours, and remote work options, get monthly shopping credits.
- Stay connected through team events, breakfasts, and group workouts.
Product Manager – Snacks in London employer: Vilgain s.r.o.
At Vilgain, we pride ourselves on being a Czech lovebrand that values honesty, quality, and a vibrant work culture. As a Store Manager in London, you'll not only lead the launch of our first store but also enjoy a supportive environment that encourages creativity and personal growth, with benefits like 5 weeks of holiday and monthly shopping credits. Join us to create an inspiring atmosphere where both customers and employees thrive together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager – Snacks in London
✨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 Vilgain s.r.o..
✨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 Vilgain s.r.o.!
✨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 Vilgain s.r.o., 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 Vilgain s.r.o., and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager – Snacks in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Vilgain s.r.o., 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 Vilgain s.r.o..
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 Vilgain s.r.o.. 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 Vilgain s.r.o.. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vilgain s.r.o.
✨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 Vilgain s.r.o.’s mission.