Food Product Manager: Drive Innovation & Retail Launch in Leeds

Food Product Manager: Drive Innovation & Retail Launch in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Zest

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive food product innovation from concept to retail launch.
  • Company: Fast-paced food business focused on innovative products.
  • Benefits: Dynamic work environment, flexible working, and growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Occasional travel required; 1 day remote work per week.
  • Why this job: Shape future food trends and make a real impact in the industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong project management skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Are you a passionate food product developer who thrives on bringing ideas to life? Do you love managing projects, working closely with suppliers and customers and seeing products successfully launch into major retailers? We are recruiting for an exciting Product Manager opportunity within a fast‑paced and ambitious food business supplying innovative products to UK retailers. This is a fantastic role for someone who enjoys owning projects from concept through to launch and wants to play a key part in shaping future product pipelines.

Responsibilities

  • As Product Manager you will be the driving force behind multiple product development projects, coordinating suppliers, internal stakeholders and customer requirements to ensure launches are delivered on time, to specification and to the highest standards.
  • You will manage critical paths, benchmark products, review samples and support first production runs, provide category and market insight, identify emerging trends, spot opportunities and support future innovation.

Qualifications

  • Strong experience within food product development, ideally in a retailer‑facing manufacturing or branded environment.
  • Understanding of UK retailer expectations, customer submissions and brand panel processes.
  • Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and to build strong relationships with suppliers and customers.
  • Resilience, energy, strong organisational skills, commercial understanding and a genuine passion for food innovation.

Requirements

A full UK driving licence is required and you must be flexible for occasional travel, including supplier visits and customer meetings. The position offers 1 day working from home and 4 days on site.

Benefits

This role offers a dynamic work environment with the opportunity to shape product pipelines, work closely with retail partners and contribute to the growth of an innovative food company.

Food Product Manager: Drive Innovation & Retail Launch in Leeds employer: Zest

Join a dynamic and innovative food business that values creativity and collaboration, offering a vibrant work culture where your ideas can flourish. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to lead exciting product launches in the UK retail market, this role is perfect for those passionate about food innovation. Enjoy a flexible working arrangement with one day from home, while being part of a team that is committed to excellence and pushing the boundaries of food development.

Zest

Contact Details:

Zest Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Food Product Manager: Drive Innovation & Retail Launch in Leeds

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at food trade shows. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Product Manager role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for food innovation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas and insights about emerging trends in the food sector. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising your project management stories. We love hearing about how you’ve successfully launched products before, so have those examples ready to go. Make sure you highlight your organisational skills and resilience!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can drive innovation in our food product lines.

We think you need these skills to ace Food Product Manager: Drive Innovation & Retail Launch in Leeds

Food Product Development
Project Management
Supplier Coordination
Customer Relationship Management
Market Insight
Trend Identification
Innovation Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share specific examples of how you've brought food products to life and what excites you about innovation in this space. We want to see your enthusiasm!

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in food product development. Focus on projects where you managed timelines, collaborated with suppliers, or launched products successfully. This will help us see how you fit into our fast-paced environment.

Be Organised and Clear:Your written application should be as organised as the projects you manage! Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that showcases your strong organisational skills.

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 don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zest

Know Your Products Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the company’s product range and recent launches. Familiarise yourself with their innovative offerings and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed from concept to launch. Highlight your organisational skills and how you coordinated with suppliers and stakeholders. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to juggle multiple projects while maintaining high standards.

Understand Retailer Expectations

Brush up on UK retailer expectations and the processes involved in customer submissions and brand panels. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these aspects will impress your interviewers and show that you understand the market landscape.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Food Innovation

Let your enthusiasm for food innovation shine through during the interview. Share your thoughts on emerging trends and how you’ve contributed to innovation in past roles. This passion can be a key differentiator and shows you’re the right fit for a dynamic food business.