New Product Developer NPD

The Compleat Food Group; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in the UK is looking for a New Product Developer to join their team for a 10-month fixed-term contract. The role involves driving innovation in food product development by working closely with various teams and clients. The ideal candidate should have a background in food product development, strong communication skills, and a passion for food innovation. A competitive salary of up to £40,000 is offered along with various benefits including matched pension and generous leave days.

Benefits

4% Matched Pension

33 Days annual leave

Employee Volunteering Days

Retail discount scheme

Training opportunities

Wellbeing support

Gym discounts

Holiday Discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in a retail or food product development role, ideally in chilled foods.
• Track record of successful product launches from concept.
• Understanding of UK and European food regulations.

Responsibilities

• Foster relationships with customers and stakeholders for product briefs.
• Ensure timely product launches through process adherence.
• Manage critical path and communicate key dates effectively.

Skills

Creative thinking

Communication

Project management

Market intelligence

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Food-based degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

Job Advert

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 on a 10 Month fixed‑term contract. 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 Middlesbrough Bakery, but will include travel to our other UK locations and to the clients premises for client meetings.

Why Join Us?

At The Compleat Food Group, you will be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. We offer an exciting work environment where you can make a real impact, develop your skills, learn from some of the best in the industry and really grow your career. If you are a creative food enthusiast with a flair for product development and a drive to succeed, we want to hear from you!

Role Details

Working Hours: Mon - Thurs 8:30 - 17:00 and Fri, 8:30 - 16:00
Role Type: 10 Month FTC, Full Time Role
Location: Middlesbrough
Salary: Up to £40,000

Key Duties

• Building Relationships: Foster strong, positive relationships with customers and internal stakeholders, inspiring and influencing product briefs and innovation.
• Product Launch Process: Ensure all relevant development processes and procedures are followed to deliver timely and successful product launches.
• Critical Path Management: Create and manage the critical path, communicating key dates, and highlighting risks to ensure smooth product launches.
• Market Intelligence: Stay updated on market trends, consumer insights, and technological changes in the food industry to drive innovative product concepts.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Brand, Technical, Process, Commercial, and Packaging teams to develop feasible, cost‑effective, and high‑quality product concepts.
• Cross‑Category Product Development: 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.
• Customer Interaction: Organise and send out samples, prepare presentations, and support or lead customer meetings to showcase new products.
• Product Trials: Attend and verify factory trials to ensure products meet the agreed taste and quality criteria.

About You

Experience & 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.
• 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, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Basic understanding of UK and European food regulation and legislation.
• A genuine passion for food, creativity and enthusiasm to learn and grow.
• Good influencing skills and confidence to present at a senior level.
• Driving Licence.

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 Wellbeing Benefits – Free on demand exercise hub and various gym discounts.
• Online Wellbeing benefits
• Free Financial wellbeing – mortgage calculators, budget tools, financial aid tools
• Holiday Discounts via Online Retail Discount

Apply Now!

Take the next step in your product development career and join us in shaping the future of chilled food products. Apply today and start your innovative journey at The Compleat Food Group – a fast growing business, you won’t look back.

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.