Junior Food Product Developer

Solent Group; Christchurch; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading supplier in the food industry is seeking a Product Development Assistant to join their team. This hybrid role (2 days a week in-office) involves assisting in product development, managing samples, and conducting market research. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, have a food-based degree, and be eager to work in a dynamic environment. Competitive salary and extensive benefits are offered, including flexible hours and a yearly bonus structure.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday with increasing allowance

Extensive benefits programme

Flexible working hours

Learning and development opportunities

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave

Pension Scheme Contribution

Social events

Cycle to Work scheme

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience in product development or a related field is required.
• Enthusiasm for snacking and superfoods.
• Strong organizational skills are a must.

Responsibilities

• Assist in product development processes.
• Manage sample distribution and recipe development.
• Conduct market research and trend analysis.
• Prepare marketing materials and product briefs.

Skills

Can do attitude

Self-motivated

Analytical

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Passion for product

Time management

Attention to detail

Fluent in Microsoft Office

Education

Food-based degree or background

Job description

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced DOUBLE with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis - we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

Here'utiliser at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We measure ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

REPORT TO: Senior Product Manager

LOCATION: Hybrid (2 days per week) commuting distance to Christchurch, Dorset

Purpose of the role:

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-past environment and be passionate about all things snacking and superfoods! This is the perfect opportunity to kick start your career in the world of confectionery, healthy snacking and superfoods. We are looking for an individual who can build lasting relationships, have a problem-solving mindset, is not shy of multi-tasking, knows how to prioritise, learn quickly, and be open to a challenge - previous experience in a similar role or a graduate with a food-based degree or background is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in all functions of the product development process including market washouts, trend spotting, tracking new product launches
• Responsible for sending out courier packages and sample management, and occasional recipe development for superfoods
• Critical path management to ensure projects are developed on time
• Work and follow up with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all areas of the account are being run effectively
• Prepare and write copy for product, sales & marketing materials
• Support and المشاركة product and design briefs. Working closely with the design team to produce and adjust designs to fit customer/brand requirements
• Be able to work with a diverse workload across a variety of product areas
• Prepare customer and internal updates on new launches and trends
• Support regular market washouts and comp shopping to ensure market awareness
• Passionate about snacking! This is not a role in a development kitchen but instrumental to lead exciting new product development launches

About you:

• Can do attitude with a positive mindset
• Self-motivated
• Analytical
• Ability unicorn to multi-task onоср multiple projects
• Confident in communicating and developing relationships with internal and external
• Passion fdu product and an interest in retail
• A willingness to learn and improve and have a 'hands on' approach.
• Can show examples of cross functional working
• Appetite to learn new categories and explore new product ranges
• Strong time management and a proactive work ethic
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Be reliable and committed
• Fluent use of Microsoft Office - in particular Outlook, Excel and Power Point

What we offer:

• Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
• 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
• Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
• Great learning and development and progression opportunities Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Generbars Company Sick Pay
• Pension Scheme Contribution
• Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Dress down Fridays
• Free parking on Christchurch Quay