Innovation Product Developer

William Jackson Food Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent food innovation company is seeking an Innovation Product Developer to lead product development projects. This role involves translating briefs into innovative concepts while managing supplier relationships and overseeing project lifecycles. Ideal candidates should have solid experience in food product development and strong project management skills. The company offers a supportive and inclusive work environment with various employee benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays

Auto-Enrolment Pension

Life assurance

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Long service awards

Free parking on site

Up to 40% discount on Company products

Qualifications

• Strong years of experience in food product development.
• Confident in managing project lifecycles.
• Ability to present confidently to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead product innovation and development projects.
• Translate briefs into creative concepts.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.

Skills

Food product development

Project management

Commercial awareness

Creative thinking

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a curious, creative and commercially minded Innovation Product Developer to join our passionate Innovation team. If you thrive at the intersection of food trends, product design and project management - and you’re ready to lead the creation of standout products across retail, foodservice and export - this is the role for you.

About Belazu

This is a lovely opportunity to join a business with an impressive set of accreditations, from B Corp status to silver standard Investors in People and newly recognised in 2025 as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work. We are a diverse team with a shared set of professional goals and social values that drive a hugely satisfying working experience. Belazu has been a pioneer of supplying high quality, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Ingredients within the UK’s Foodservice for over 30 years. We are an innovative leader in our field, with an energetic and high performing working culture. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next 5 years and take great pride in the values that form the spine of our business.

The day job

This role will look like:

As Innovation Product Developer, you will:

• Lead all product innovation and development projects through Gates 0-2.
• Translate briefs into creative, commercially feasible concepts alongside our chefs.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, co-manufacturers, and key customers.
• Own the critical path from brief to technical handover using beCPG.
• Present product concepts to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support initial costings and feasibility work for all new ideas.
• Develop and maintain a 12–24 month innovation pipeline across channels.
• Gather trends and insights using TrendHub, retailer data, and market visits.
• Coordinate weekly project meetings and keep all stakeholders aligned.
• Deputise for the Head of Product Innovation where needed.

This role will suit you if

• You’ve got strong years of experience in food product development.
• You’re confident managing full concept-to-Gate 2 project lifecycles.
• You’re commercially aware and understand margins, feasibility, and brand fit.
• You can confidently present to internal teams and customers.
• You know your way around white label standards and retailer expectations.
• You’ve got a nose for food trends and love turning insights into product gold.

This role may not be for you if

• You’re not confident managing multiple projects at pace.
• You’re uncomfortable working cross-functionally or presenting to stakeholders.
• You prefer working only from a desk—this role is hands-on.
• You don’t enjoy blending creativity with commercial rigour.

What’s in it for you?

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays
• Auto-Enrolment Pension
• Life assurance
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Long service awards
• Free parking on site
• Up to 40% discount on Company products
• Additional benefits via online employee portal

Terms

• 40 hrs/wk (7:00am–3:30pm Mon-Fri)
• Minimum 3 days on-site at Greenford
• Probationary period: 3 months
• Annual salary review (our ‘movers and shakers’ are always rewarded)
• 15% KPI-related bonus based on clear, achievable goals

Thanks for reading our job advert. We do our very best to bring to life what it's like working as part of our team. Diverse teams really are the best teams. We want everyone to feel they can be themselves at work and develop their talents to the full. All colleagues are expected to take personal responsibility for keeping our workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying - a place where everyone is treated fairly and respectfully. We also know that sometimes some candidates may be put off applying for a job unless they think they can tick every box. If you are really excited about working with us and think you can do much of what we are looking for but aren\'t sure if you are 100% there yet... go on... why not give it a whirl? Good luck!