Product Developer

JR United Kingdom; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a spirited and resourceful team at a leading food manufacturer, dedicated to creating award-winning dressings and condiments. This role focuses on product development, where you'll collaborate with various teams to drive successful product launches. Your creativity and market insight will help shape innovative products that meet customer needs. If you're passionate about food and eager to contribute to a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development and managing product launches.
• Strong understanding of customer needs and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products that meet quality and commercial requirements.
• Communicate effectively within the NPD Team for successful launches.

Skills

Product Development

Communication Skills

Market Research

Customer Relationship Management

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Job Description

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Our business has a long and proud history of food excellence. We produce award-winning dressings, condiments, and marinades for many of the UK’s leading food manufacturers and retailers, as well as nurturing our own brands: Very Lazy and Newman’s Own. We believe our passion for good food, fine ingredients, and technical excellence sets us apart and drives our success.

We’re a spirited, adventurous, and resourceful team. These qualities make us unique and highly valued. Our core values—Put people first, Bring positive energy, Do the right thing the right way, and Be better every day—guide everything we do, from product creation to management styles, making English Provender a great place to work.

Main Purpose

To develop products that meet quality and commercial requirements for dedicated customer accounts, driving engagement under the guidance of the Senior Product Developer. This includes managing the Handover process and assisting with the gated launch process for specified accounts. The role involves working as part of the NPD Team, liaising with Process, Marketing, Technical, Production, and Commercial Teams to ensure successful product development, and supporting the Senior Product Developer in achieving company objectives and strategic growth.

Responsibilities / Key Tasks

1. Communicate effectively within the NPD Team and the wider company to ensure the successful launch of new products that meet quality, safety, and commercial standards.
2. Own your part in the smooth operation of the development kitchen.

NPD

1. Proactively guide development through the gate process.
2. Transfer products from the kitchen to the Process team via the Handover process, assisting with factory trials as needed.
3. Develop new products based on customer briefs, ensuring they meet all requirements under the direction of the Senior Product Developer.
4. Stay informed of new ingredients, raw materials, suppliers, and market trends to enable first-to-market product development.
5. Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions for continuous improvement.
6. Identify and pursue NPD opportunities that enhance business performance and align with customer strategies.

Customer

1. Build effective relationships with customers and suppliers regarding product development.
2. Understand customer needs and preferences.
3. Prepare creative and innovative customer presentations.
4. Proactively present product directions and identify future opportunities with support from the chef team.
5. Conduct regular store visits to understand customer ranges and new launches.

Commercial

1. Support sales and margin growth through successful NPD.
2. Ensure projects stay within budget and maintain commercial awareness.
3. Stay informed of key business metrics such as sales, marketing, and performance.

General

1. Manage systems and information for team access, proposing improvements as needed.
2. Attend meetings as required.
3. Maintain consistent food hygiene and health & safety procedures.
4. Represent the company positively, embodying its values professionally.
5. Perform any other duties reasonably requested to meet business needs.
6. Be flexible regarding travel for customer and supplier visits.
7. Adhere to all company rules and safety procedures.