Product Developer

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

Job description

Job Title: Product Developer

At Iceland, we value, recognize, and celebrate all colleagues for their good work. We pride ourselves on being team players who can work collaboratively with others. We offer opportunities for career progression and development, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package.

We are currently seeking a Product Developer to work as part of a team across Frozen, Chilled, and Grocery Chambers (Own Label, Exclusive Brands, and Branded Lines). The role involves the briefing, preparation, assessment, managed feedback, and iterative development of products.

Under the leadership of the Trading Manager, drive all concept development activities to ensure products developed (NPD, EPD) align with the brief and deliverables. Development activities include Benchmarking, Market Reviews, Range Reviews, Product Briefing, Product Panelling, Innovation Product Showcases, Supplier Innovation Meetings, and Food Development Centre Events.

Work closely with Development Chefs to ensure products meet or exceed quality and brief requirements. Be an expert on developed products, ensuring they meet consumer and quality standards. Collaborate with suppliers during development to ensure clear, easy-to-understand cooking and usage instructions.

Adhere to the gate process to ensure development aligns with the critical path, with timely supplier briefings and clear feedback throughout the process. Maintain strong knowledge of emerging markets and food trends, monitoring competitors and retailer launches to identify opportunities for Iceland Product Development.

Lead market reviews, define benchmarks, and perform biannual benchmarking sessions to ensure Iceland products surpass or match the benchmarks. Document outputs and coordinate follow-up actions with the Trading Manager.

Prepare product samples for meetings, showcases, visits, quality panels, and internal events as agreed. Collaborate with the technical team to support QAS generation, sign-off, and first production approval.

The role will evolve with our continuous learning and updates in product innovation, development, and quality processes.

Minimum Requirements:

• Relevant Product Development experience/qualification in Food/FMCG
• Knowledge/experience in delivering NPD to the market and development processes
• Food Preparation/Culinary Skills and passion for food
• Strong initiative with proactive, collaborative working style
• Excellent relationship-building skills with stakeholders and suppliers
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively
• Flexible and open-minded approach
• Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

What We Offer:

• 15% discount in Iceland stores
• 30% discount at Club Individual Restaurants
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Pension (NEST)
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidized staff restaurant and Costa Coffee