Product Developer

Zest; South Derbyshire; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Food Product Developer to join its dynamic NPD team. You will lead from concept to launch, bringing fresh thinking, technical expertise and a commercial mindset to deliver standout products for major retailers.

The role is highly customer-facing, with regular collaboration with retailers and internal stakeholders. You will need a food-related degree or equivalent experience, travel and a full driving license as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Experience in food product development within FMCG is required.
• Ability to translate customer briefs into viable products.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Own the full product development journey from concept to launch.
• Represent the business at customer meetings and translate briefs into market-ready products.

Skills

Food product development

NPD management

Education

Food-related degree

Job description

Are you an experienced Food Product Developer with a genuine passion for creating exciting new products and a creative streak that refuses to sit still? We are working with a leading FMCG food manufacturer who is looking to strengthen its growing NPD team with an ambitious and innovative Product Developer, bringing fresh thinking, technical expertise and a passion for product innovation to a business that thrives on creativity.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established Product Developer to take ownership of projects across the full product development journey, from initial concept through to launch. You will be encouraged to challenge convention, push creative boundaries and bring commercially focused, innovative thinking to every project, developing products that stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

The role is highly customer-facing and will involve working closely with one of the UK's favourite retailers. You will therefore need to be confident representing the business at customer meetings, building strong relationships with key stakeholders and translating customer briefs into exciting, commercially viable and market-ready products. Strong communication skills, a proactive approach and the ability to manage multiple projects are essential.

To be considered, you will need previous experience within food product development, ideally gained within an FMCG manufacturing environment, alongside a relevant food-related degree or equivalent industry experience. A full driving licence and access to a car are also essential, as travel will form a regular part of the role.

Above all, we are looking for someone with genuine creative flair, a strong understanding of the product development process and the drive to turn great ideas into successful products.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established, forward-thinking manufacturer where you can make a real impact, take ownership of exciting NPD projects and play an important role in shaping the future product portfolio.

Please note, our client is unable to accept visa applications for this role.