Food Product Developer – NPD & Launch

Stafforce Recruitment; East Lindsey; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group is seeking a Product Developer to join the RDQ team in Grimsby and across sites. You will drive concept-to-launch for chilled foods, coordinating with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to ensure safe, profitable products.

Ideal candidates hold a Food Science-related degree, have 1+ year in product development, and demonstrate strong organisation, communication, and cost- awareness. Travel between sites and occasional overnight stays are required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
• Basic culinary skills and passion for food.
• Minimum 1 year's product development experience within the food industry.
• Experience working with chilled food products.
• Proven ability to deliver projects to agreed timelines.
• Basic commercial and financial awareness.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Organise and distribute product samples for internal and customer reviews.
• Prepare repeat kitchen samples and benchmark products.
• Source and order ingredients and materials.
• Label, pack and arrange delivery of samples.
• Manage ingredient and sample stock, ensuring effective stock rotation and kitchen organisation.
• Support the New Product Development process from concept through to approval.
• Develop products in line with customer and brand specifications.
• Complete product costings where required.
• Prepare customer submission information and supporting documentation.
• Organise and present tasting panels to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Attend supplier meetings and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Support factory trials from planning through to completion.
• Collect, analyse and report trial data accurately.
• Assist in the completion of product files and launch documentation.
• Support successful product launches through adherence to NPD processes and procedures.
• Maintain effective communication with both internal and external customers.
• Develop an understanding of customer requirements, standards and processes.
• Ensure relevant teams are briefed on customer expectations and project requirements.
• Monitor and track departmental spend against budget.
• Support colleagues across the RDQ function and wider business.
• Champion company values and promote cross-functional collaboration.
• Help maintain clean, safe and hygienic working environments.

Skills

Basic culinary skills

1 year product development

Chilled food experience

Strong organisational & communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Willingness to travel between sites

Full UK driving licence

Education

Degree in Food Science/related

Job description

Nicholas Associates Group is seeking a Product Developer to join the RDQ team in Grimsby and across sites. You will drive concept-to-launch for chilled foods, coordinating with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to ensure safe, profitable products.

Ideal candidates hold a Food Science-related degree, have 1+ year in product development, and demonstrate strong organisation, communication, and cost- awareness. Travel between sites and occasional overnight stays are required.