Product Developer

drnewitt.vincere.io; Leicester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

drnewitt.vincere.io is seeking a Product Development professional to lead bakery product concepts through to launch, working closely with cross-functional teams to meet business objectives and customer requirements.

The role focuses on developing innovative recipes, documenting development records, and ensuring shelf-life and regulatory compliance while maintaining high kitchen standards.

Qualifications

• Basic Food Safety certification.
• Full driving licence preferred but not essential.
• Highly organised, proactive and self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative bakery products from concept to launch with cross-functional teams.
• Document recipes, methods, and development records accurately.
• Coordinate samples, packaging and customer submissions to high standards.
• Support shelf-life studies and regulatory compliance throughout development.
• Attend internal meetings and liaise with stakeholders during projects.
• Conduct market research to identify current trends and opportunities.
• Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised development kitchen.

Job description

Product Development

• Develop innovative bakery products in line with business objectives and customer requirements.


• Create original bakery products and recipes to meet customer briefs and commercial expectations.


• Manage products throughout the full concept-to-launch process, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.


• Demonstrate a strong passion for food, baking, and product innovation, with the ability to identify and incorporate current market trends into new product development.


• Accurately document recipes, methods, and development records in accordance with internal product development procedures.


• Prepare preliminary recipe costings during development to ensure products meet target cost requirements.


• Coordinate product samples, packaging, and distribution for customer submissions, ensuring products are presented to a consistently high standard and delivered on time.


• Carry out initial shelf-life and transport suitability assessments for new product concepts where required.


• Complete all relevant documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including product submission forms, specifications, development handovers, and new ingredient requests.


• Work alongside Process Development and Technical teams to complete shelf-life validation throughout the development process, considering formulation, packaging, production environment, and storage conditions while ensuring accurate documentation before full-scale production.


• Collaborate with Technical and Production teams to support factory trials, pre-production runs, and product launches.


• Partner with Procurement to source and evaluate new ingredients for product development.


• Ensure any new equipment or raw materials required for product launches receive the necessary approvals and are available before production begins.


• Develop all new products and product modifications in accordance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.


• Maintain comprehensive records of product development, including recipe documentation, design history, and photographic records.


• Conduct competitor benchmarking and market research to maintain awareness of industry trends and emerging product opportunities.


• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe product development kitchen and workspace, promoting good housekeeping and food safety practices at all times.

Communication Responsibilities

• Attend internal meetings and project briefings, ensuring effective communication and clear handovers between teams.


• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, clients, and commercial stakeholders throughout the product development process.


• Represent the organisation professionally at internal and external meetings when required.


• Support promotional activities, exhibitions, and product events to help showcase products and increase market awareness.


• Respond professionally and promptly to customer enquiries, correspondence, and telephone communications.

Skills and Experience

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


• Basic Food Safety certification or training.


• Full driving licence preferred but not essential.


• Highly organised, proactive, and self-motivated, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.