Product Developer - Foodservice

The Compleat Food Group; Crewe Green; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A food company in Crewe is seeking a Product Developer to create and adapt products meeting customer needs and commercial targets. This role requires a strong background in food product development, a passion for food, and excellent communication skills. You'll work with cross-functional teams and represent customer interests while ensuring quality standards. A hybrid working model with various benefits is offered, including generous leave and support initiatives.

Benefits

Hybrid working / flexible 4-day week

33 days annual leave

Pension match 4%/4%

Free on-site parking

Employee volunteering days

Retail discount schemes

24/7 access to support services

Qualifications

• Experience in food product development is essential.
• Ability to manage projects efficiently and effectively.
• Must demonstrate passion for food and understand market trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop products on time and within budget for customers.
• Build and support new project ideas while participating in innovation sessions.
• Manage relationships with customer product development teams.

Skills

Product development experience

Strong customer-facing experience

Excellent communication skills

Strong planning and project management

Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Education

Food-Based Degree

Job description

Purpose: To develop new and adapt existing products to meet customer and branded briefs which deliver commercial targets and are successfully scaled up to production. Your Duties Will Include:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing products on time and to budget for the customer.
• Build ideas, support new projects and actively participate in internal and external innovation sessions.
• Be the first point of contact for customers across, building positive pro‑active relationships with customer product development teams.
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams to ensure feasibility of products that are developed in line with company and customer strategy.
• Lead product presentations.
• Work with teams to solve issues including scalability and sustainability.
• Ensure product recipes meet appropriate food quality standards alongside commercial targets and within brand standards.
• Create and ensure accurate NPD paperwork.
• Ensure benchmarking is carried out accurately and comprehensively to present at internal and external presentations.
• Actively demonstrate passion for food and a good understanding of market and food trends.
• Travel to our UK manufacturing sites as required.

Requirements

• Product development experience within foodservice.
• Food‑Based Degree – desirable.
• Passion for food – essential.
• Strong customer‑facing experience.
• Experience in retail or FMCG development role.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong planning, organisation and project management skills.
• Good analytic and numeracy skills.
• Attention to detail and presentation skills.
• Microsoft Office skills – Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the UK (driving licence essential).

With recent company growth, we have a new opportunity for a Product Developer to join the NPD team based in Crewe!

About the Company

At The Compleat Food Group, we're proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we're on a mission to create Food to Feel Good – great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat. We’re home to some of the UK's most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall's Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we're a leading supplier of delicious own‑label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added‑value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant‑based food to the UK's major retailers, as well as across foodservice. With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we're united by a shared ambition to shape a positive and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

• Hybrid working / flexible 4‑day week available.
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays).
• Pension match 4%/4%.
• Free on‑site parking.
• 2 employee volunteering days per year.
• Online and high‑street retailer discount scheme.
• Employee well‑being and community support groups.
• Charity initiatives and team events.
• 24/7 access to Grocery Aid (free financial, emotional and practical support).

Our Culture

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace.