Product Developer - 12 Month FTC

Zest; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG food business in Greater London seeks an experienced Product Developer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves taking products from concept to on-shelf launch, requiring at least one year of food product development experience. You will support NPD timelines, develop recipes, manage product costs, and collaborate across teams. This position offers flexible working and strong career development opportunities within a collaborative team culture.

Benefits

Hybrid and flexible working

Strong learning and development support

Collaborative team culture

Excellent range of benefits from day one

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in food product development or related environment.
• Strong interest in NPD processes.
• Detail-focused and proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Support NPD timelines and stage-gate processes.
• Develop and trial recipes.
• Brief manufacturers during trials.

Skills

Food product development

Organisational skills

Proactive mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Zest are partnering with a fast-growing, values‑led FMCG food business to find an experienced Product Developer for a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly successful brand at a pivotal stage of growth, working on innovative, high‑quality food products that are already widely stocked across UK retail.

If you enjoy taking products from early concept through to successful on‑shelf launch and thrive in collaborative, fast‑paced environments, this could be a fantastic next step.

The Product Developer will join a collaborative NPD team and report into a Senior NPD Manager, supporting the delivery of new products and improvements to existing ranges from early concept through to on‑shelf launch. The role is hands‑on and varied, combining kitchen‑based development with structured project coordination, cross‑functional collaboration and exposure to external manufacturing partners.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting NPD timelines and stage‑gate processes
• Developing and trialling recipes
• Building product costs and nutritional information
• Briefing manufacturers during trials and scale‑up
• Supporting ingredient sourcing and approvals
• Maintaining quality standards alongside a Product Technologist
• Contributing to packaging content
• Participating in regular tastings and quality reviews

The successful candidate will have at least one year of experience in food product development or a related FMCG, manufacturing or food science environment. They will also have a strong interest in NPD processes, good organisational skills and a proactive, detail‑focused mindset. You will be comfortable working cross‑functionally and be keen to learn.

In return, this role offers the chance to develop your career within a purpose‑driven, fast‑paced business, with hybrid and flexible working, strong learning and development support, a collaborative team culture and an excellent range of benefits from day one.

If you are interested in finding out more please contact Danielle Bailey for a confidential conversation on (phone number removed) or on (url removed).

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