Junior Product Developer

The Newt in Somerset; Galhampton; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury country estate in Somerset is seeking a Junior Product Developer to innovate and launch Newt-branded food and drink products. You will work closely with the New Product Development team, engaging in everything from concept to launch, ensuring high standards and compliance are met. This role offers a conducive environment for personal and professional growth, alongside competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Complimentary gym access

Exclusive discounts on spa treatments

30% discount in shops and restaurants

Complimentary staff meals

Cycle to Work scheme

Up to 30 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience in project management, ideally within food or FMCG.
• Understanding of new product development principles and supply chain.
• Passion for product, quality, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop new and improve existing food products from concept to launch.
• Manage product viability and ensure compliance across manufacturing sites.
• Organise taste panels and present new products internally.

Skills

Project management

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Excellent communication

Commercial awareness

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Junior Product Developer

Up to £35,000 per annum plus bonus and fantastic benefits.

40 hours per week across 5 days. Based onsite – BA7.

Driving license recommended due to the location of the Estate.

Advert closes: Monday 19th January 2026.

Help shape the future of food and drink at one of the UK’s most exciting luxury estates.

Supporting our New Product Development (NPD) function

This role works closely with the NPD Manager to help develop and launch Newt-branded food and drink products. From early concept through to launch, you’ll play a key part in ensuring every product reflects our brand values, quality standards and commercial objectives across retail, hospitality and wholesale.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing new and improving existing food products from concept to launch
• Managing product viability, critical paths and commercials alongside merchandising
• Writing clear, compliant artwork briefs for packaging and design partners
• Organising taste panels and presenting new products and commercials internally
• Benchmarking competitors, pricing, packaging and market trends
• Sourcing and managing suppliers, prioritising quality, welfare and local partnerships
• Supporting forecasting, negotiations, samples and photoshoots
• Ensuring compliance across manufacturing sites and product labelling

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Discover exclusive perks with our Discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting your wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including Fun Squad events, which include activities such as Go-Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we’re looking for

• Experience in project management, ideally within food or FMCG
• Understanding of NPD principles, supply chain and quality standards
• Commercially minded with an understanding of pricing, margins and market dynamics
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects at pace
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills
• Confident using Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A genuine passion for product, quality and innovation

Where you’ll be working

The Product Team is responsible for every aspect of product across the estate covering retail in our shops and online, products for hospitality, events and wholesale. The team includes buying and merchandising, new product development, packaging and procurement.

Who are we – The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.