New Product Developer - NPD

The Compleat Food Group; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Nottingham seeks a New Product Developer to lead the creation of innovative food products. The role involves coordinating product development, working closely with various teams, managing timelines, and maintaining customer relationships. Ideal candidates will have experience in food product development, excellent communication skills, and a passion for food. This opportunity includes travel to various UK locations and offers a supportive work culture with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

4% Matched Pension

33 Days annual leave

2 Employee Volunteering Days

Retail discount scheme

Well-being support groups

Personalized training opportunities

Charity initiatives

24/7 Financial support access

Gym discounts

Free financial wellbeing tools

Online well-being benefits

Holiday discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in retail or food product development, ideally within the chilled food sector.
• Demonstrable track record of successful concept-to-product launches.
• Driving Licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of customer and branded products.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Ensure timely product launches.
• Communicate risks and manage the critical path.
• Stay updated on market trends for innovative concepts.
• Collaborate with various teams for effective product development.
• Organize samples and support customer meetings.
• Attend factory trials for quality assurance.

Skills

Product launch process knowledge

Excellent verbal and written communication

Strong planning and organization

Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams

Commercial acumen and analytical skills

Education

Food-based degree

Job description

Join Our Team as a New Product Developer in the Innovative World of Food Manufacturing!

Are you passionate about food innovation and eager to make your mark in the fast-paced Food Manufacturing environment? The Compleat Food Group is seeking a creative and talented New Product Developer to join our skilled team and drive the creation of exceptional food products. This is your chance to be at the forefront of product development, working with top brands and leading retailers to bring exciting new products to market. If you are working in Product Development currently and looking to step up to a Developer this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your experience, skills and talent. The role is based from our Tottle Bakery in Nottingham, but will include travel to our other UK locations and to the clients premises for client meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the development of both customer and branded products, ensuring they align with The Compleat Food Group's brand strategy, category pipeline plans, and growth aspirations.
• Foster strong, positive relationships with customers and internal stakeholders, inspiring and influencing product briefs and innovation.
• Ensure all relevant development processes and procedures are followed to deliver timely and successful product launches.
• Create and manage the critical path, communicating key dates, and highlighting risks to ensure smooth product launches.
• Stay updated on market trends, consumer insights, and technological changes in the food industry to drive innovative product concepts.
• Work closely with Brand, Technical, Process, Commercial, and Packaging teams to develop feasible, cost-effective, and high-quality product concepts.
• Organise and send out samples, prepare presentations, and support or lead customer meetings to showcase new products.
• Attend and verify factory trials to ensure products meet the agreed taste and quality criteria.

Qualifications

• A food-based degree is desirable.
• Experience in a retail or food product development role, ideally within the chilled food sector.
• Demonstrable track record of successful concept-to-product launches.
• Driving Licence.

Key Skills

• Knowledge of the product launch process within a chilled food environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and present confidently.
• Strong planning, organisation, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Basic understanding of UK and European food regulation and legislation.
• Driving Licence.

Qualities

• A genuine passion for food, creativity and enthusiasm to learn and grow.
• Self-motivated, energetic, and flexible attitude.
• Problem‑solving skills and the ability to make high‑quality decisions quickly.
• A team player with well-developed interpersonal skills.
• High integrity and the ability to gain the trust of colleagues.
• Good influencing skills and confidence to present at a senior level.

Benefits

• 4% Matched Pension
• 33 Days annual leave
• 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year
• Online and High‑street retailer discount scheme
• Employee well‑being and community support groups
• Informal and Formal training opportunities with personalised online LMS platform
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)
• Physical Well‑being Benefits – Free on-demand exercise hub and various gym discounts.
• Online Well‑being benefits
• Free Financial wellbeing – mortgage calculators, budget tools, financial aid tools
• Holiday Discounts via Online Retail Discount

The Compleat Food Group are proud to have built an inclusive and respectful culture where our colleagues feel safe, supported and valued. A place where they can bring their whole selves to work to achieve exceptional results and thrive. We continue to attract diverse talent into our teams, because we know greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life. That's why we're committed to ensuring Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect in all that we do.

Recruitment Agencies: We have an active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies.