Product Developer

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist recruitment agency in the United Kingdom seeks a Product Developer to lead product innovation and development. The role involves overseeing product formulation, ensuring compliance with market trends, and managing the product lifecycle from concept to manufacture. Candidates must have a BSc/MSc in Food Science or related field and at least 2 years of relevant experience. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Personal growth opportunities, including training and development

Health Cash Plan

Subsidised gym membership

Discretionary bonus

Access to flexible pay options

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in end-to-end product development from idea to implementation.
• Proven experience in leading and project managing all technical aspects of a project from scope through to implementation.
• A passion for sustainability, food innovation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Complete customer product development and internal-led innovation projects as assigned.
• Build and continuously update expertise on functional ingredients and nutrients, keeping up to date with market trends.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with customers to ensure robust scoping of all projects.
• Provide formulation and nutrition support across the business and to customers.
• Design product formulations from customer ideas, ranging from intermediate pre-mixes to ready-to-drink soft drinks and dairy alternative products, and implement these at the final manufacturing site.
• Conduct sensory assessments to ensure products meet the agreed brief.
• Make informed decisions about product shelf life based on ingredient lists, manufacturing methods, and packaging.
• Lead trials at internal manufacturing facilities and with third-party manufacturers to support product development.
• Attend first productions to ensure smooth manufacturing processes and address any product issues timely.

Education

BSc/MSc in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or a related field

Job description

Overview

Location: Kent (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive

As a Product Developer, you will be pivotal in scoping, developing, and delivering new product development (NPD) and innovation solutions that meet our customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Complete customer product development and internal-led innovation projects as assigned.
• Build and continuously update expertise on functional ingredients and nutrients, keeping up to date with market trends.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with customers to ensure robust scoping of all projects.
• Provide formulation and nutrition support across the business and to customers.
• Design product formulations from customer ideas, ranging from intermediate pre-mixes to ready-to-drink soft drinks and dairy alternative products, and implement these at the final manufacturing site.
• Conduct sensory assessments to ensure products meet the agreed brief.
• Make informed decisions about product shelf life based on ingredient lists, manufacturing methods, and packaging.
• Lead trials at internal manufacturing facilities and with third-party manufacturers to support product development.
• Attend first productions to ensure smooth manufacturing processes and address any product issues timely.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in end-to-end product development from idea to implementation.
• Proven experience in leading and project managing all technical aspects of a project from scope through to implementation.
• A passion for sustainability, food innovation, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Personal growth opportunities, including training and development.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Subsidised gym membership.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Access to flexible pay options.