Product Developer

In The News; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

In The News is seeking a Product Developer to lead new product development from concept to launch within a growing food manufacturing business. This role focuses on delivering innovative products that meet customer briefs and market trends, collaborating closely with technical, production and packaging teams.

The ideal candidate has experience in NPD and development roles within food manufacturing, strong project management and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple development

Qualifications

• Experience in product development and development technologist roles within food manufacturing.
• Experience managing products through full development lifecycle, including trials and validation.
• Experience in fast-paced food manufacturing with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with major retailers or foodservice customers would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage new product development and existing product improvement projects from concept through to launch.
• Develop products aligned with customer briefs, market trends and commercial objectives.
• Collaborate with Technical, Production and Packaging teams; coordinate factory trials and launches.
• Source raw materials and support packaging development within development process.
• Build relationships with customers; support presentations and product submissions.

Skills

NPD experience

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology

Job description

Location: Greater Manchester

Overview: Our client is a well-established food manufacturer with an excellent reputation for product innovation and quality. Due to continued growth and an exciting pipeline of new product development projects, they are looking to strengthen their Development Team with the appointment of a Product Developer.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous NPD experience to take ownership of exciting development projects, working closely with customers and internal teams to bring innovative products from concept through to successful launch.

Key Responsibilities:

• As Product Developer, you will manage new product development and existing product improvement projects from concept through to launch.
• Develop products in line with customer briefs, market trends and commercial objectives, ensuring products meet both quality and cost expectations.
• Work closely with Technical, Production and Packaging teams throughout the development process, coordinating factory trials and supporting successful product launches.
• Source raw materials and support packaging development whilst managing products through a structured development process.
• Build strong relationships with customers, supporting presentations, product submissions and innovation projects across the business.
• Support junior members of the development team, providing guidance and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Previous experience within a Product Developer, Development Technologist or similar NPD role within food manufacturing.
• Experience managing products through the full development lifecycle, including factory trials and product validation.
• Experience within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, with exposure to cross-functional project teams.
• Experience working with major retailers or foodservice customers would be advantageous.
• Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong communication, organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to join a well-established and growing food manufacturer.
• Exciting role developing innovative products for high-profile customers.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment with genuine opportunities for career progression.
• Join a business with a strong focus on innovation, continuous improvement and employee development.

We are seeking applications from talented Product Developers, Development Technologists, NPD Technologists, Product Development Technologists, Food Technologists, and Process Technologists who live within Greater Manchester, Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale, Bury, Blackburn, Stockport, Wigan, Cheshire and surrounding areas.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.