At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Product Development team to create and launch innovative food products.
- Company: Join a people-first company that values inclusivity and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy wellbeing initiatives, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on experience in kitchen and factory environments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while being supported and recognised.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science and 5-10 years of NPD experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
This role focuses on managing the Product Development team with responsibility for developing new products, improving existing ones, and supporting the full NPD process from concept to launch. It combines hands-on product development, scientific understanding, project management, and customer interaction, with day-to-day management of the process technologists. The ideal person is practical, curious, and confident working across both kitchen and factory environments.
We believe people do their best work when they feel supported, valued and able to be themselves. That’s why we go beyond the basics to create a positive, inclusive and engaging workplace. Our benefits include:
- A supportive, people-first culture where wellbeing, respect and teamwork genuinely matter
- Wellbeing & inclusion initiatives throughout the year including wellbeing events, awareness weeks and practical support for hidden and non-hidden disabilities
- Engaging team activities & celebrations, from seasonal events to recognition days and charity initiatives
- Training and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and progress your career
- Work-life balance supported by fair, flexible and people-focused working practices (where role allows)
- Employee voice & involvement – we actively listen, consult and celebrate ideas and improvements from our teams
- An inclusive and ethical employer, committed to equality, respect and doing the right thing
- Recognition and appreciation, because great work deserves to be noticed
Above all, you’ll be joining a business where people are not just a number; you’ll be supported, encouraged and recognised for the contribution you make.
Key Responsibilities
- Product Development
- Develop new food products from customer project brief through to launch.
- Generate and develop innovative product concepts aligned with Zeelandia brand strategy and market opportunity.
- Reformulate and improve existing products for quality, cost, allergens, or nutritional targets.
- Run kitchen trials, pilot plant trials, and support full factory scale-ups.
- Produce samples for internal teams and customer presentations.
- Create, manage, and continuously improve the critical path process.
- Scientific & Technical Expertise
- Use a strong food science background to solve formulation challenges.
- Understand ingredient functionality, processing effects, stability, shelf-life, and product safety.
- Create and maintain technical specifications.
- Support sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis.
- Articulate and confident presenting products and technical information.
- Happy in front of customers – comfortable explaining formulations, processes, and development decisions in a clear, engaging way.
- Attend customer visits, product reviews, and site meetings to represent the NPD function professionally.
- Able to translate scientific detail into something commercial teams and customers easily understand.
- Manage, mentor and support NPD team
- Help prioritise workloads and maintain project flow.
- Project Management
- Manage multiple NPD projects at once, keeping timelines and documentation up to date.
- Work cross-functionally with production, quality, procurement, and commercial.
- Factory & Operations Support
- Attend factory trials and first productions to ensure smooth product handover.
- Troubleshoot production issues and work collaboratively on process improvements.
- Work with suppliers to source new ingredients and understand capabilities.
- Stay up to date with trends, technologies, and market developments.
Skills & Experience
- Degree in Food Science or a closely related field or equivalence of experience.
- 5-10 years NPD experience in a food manufacturing environment.
- A track record of launching innovative, commercially successful products.
- A proactive, self-motivated mindset with full ownership of projects.
- Confident communicator – articulate, personable, and credible with customers. Good presentation skills.
- Hands-on, practical, and comfortable in kitchen, pilot plant, and factory settings.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, including ability to problem solve.
- Ability to work to deadlines and thrive under pressure.
Product Development Manager in Wigan employer: Zeelandia UK Ltd
As a Product Development Manager at our company, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises your wellbeing and professional growth. We offer a dynamic workplace where your contributions are recognised, and you can engage in meaningful projects that impact product innovation. With flexible working practices and a commitment to employee development, you'll find ample opportunities to advance your career while being part of a team that values respect, collaboration, and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your product development experience. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you tackled challenges – this will show you're the hands-on, practical person they're looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and culture. Check out our website for openings at StudySmarter where we prioritise wellbeing and inclusivity – it’s where you’ll thrive!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Product Development:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for product development shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how they align with our mission at StudySmarter. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about creating innovative products.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how your background in food science and NPD experience makes you the perfect fit for our team. Don’t just send a generic CV; show us why you’re the one!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zeelandia UK Ltd
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's product range. Understand their current offerings and think about how you could improve or innovate them. Be ready to discuss specific examples of products you've developed in the past and how they align with the company's brand strategy.
✨Showcase Your Scientific Expertise
Since this role requires a strong food science background, prepare to discuss your knowledge of ingredient functionality and formulation challenges. Bring examples of how you've solved similar issues in previous roles, and be ready to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that's easy for non-experts to understand.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience managing multiple NPD projects simultaneously. Highlight your organisational skills and how you've kept timelines and documentation up to date. Consider sharing a specific project where you successfully navigated challenges and delivered results under pressure.
✨Engage with Confidence
This role involves customer interaction, so practice articulating your ideas clearly and engagingly. Think about how you would present a new product concept to a client. Use mock interviews to refine your presentation skills and ensure you're comfortable discussing technical details in a relatable way.
