Product Development Specialist (12 month FTC)

Experis UK; Sharnbrook; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Experis UK is seeking a Senior Product Technologist in Sharnbrook to lead end-to-end product development from concept to commercialisation. The role collaborates with manufacturing, operations, procurement, quality, and commercial teams to deliver innovative food products while upholding quality and safety standards.

The Senior Product Technologist will drive lab development, supplier engagement, scale-up activities, and factory trials, ensuring successful market launch and robust production

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Technology preferred.
• Life Sciences qualifications will also be considered.
• Other relevant scientific backgrounds may be suitable where significant relevant experience can be demonstrated.
• Experience gained within large organisations, SMEs, or start-up environments will all be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from ideation through to commercial launch.
• Develop and optimise formulations using existing and novel ingredients.
• Manage product scale-up activities and oversee successful transfer into manufacturing.
• Work closely with factory teams to deliver robust and scalable production processes.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines and objectives are achieved.
• Manage project risks, actions, and critical paths throughout development programmes.
• Provide clear technical updates and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Support the implementation of new and improved product development processes and ways of working.
• Engage with suppliers to source ingredients and support innovation initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Agile

Product development

Scale-up

Supplier engagement

Manufacturing transfer

Leadership

Education

Food Technology degree

Life Sciences considered

Other scientific backgrounds

Job description

Location: Sharnbrook (Hybrid 3 days onsite)

Fixed Term Contract for 12 months

Are you an experienced Product Technologist with a passion for bringing innovative food products to market? We're looking for a Senior Product Technologist to play a key role in leading product development projects from concept through to commercialisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a food industry professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working across multiple functions to deliver high-quality, innovative products into manufacturing.

About the Role

As a Product Development Specialist, you will take ownership of the end-to-end product development lifecycle, leading projects from initial concept and laboratory development through supplier engagement, scale-up activities, factory trials, and final product specification.

Working closely with manufacturing, operations, procurement, quality, and commercial teams, you will ensure products are successfully developed, validated, and launched to market while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from ideation through to commercial launch.
• Develop and optimise formulations using existing and novel ingredients.
• Manage product scale-up activities and oversee successful transfer into manufacturing.
• Work closely with factory teams to deliver robust and scalable production processes.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines and objectives are achieved.
• Manage project risks, actions, and critical paths throughout development programmes.
• Provide clear technical updates and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Support the implementation of new and improved product development processes and ways of working.
• Engage with suppliers to source ingredients and support innovation initiatives.
• Proven experience within the food industry.
• Experience leading the full product development process from concept creation through to factory implementation.
• Strong understanding of product scale-up and manufacturing transfer.
• Experience working in agile, fast-paced environments with challenging deadlines and changing priorities.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience introducing new formulations, ingredients, or innovative product solutions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.

Qualifications & Background

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Technology preferred.
• Candidates with Life Sciences qualifications will also be considered.
• Other relevant scientific backgrounds may be suitable where significant relevant experience can be demonstrated.
• Experience gained within large organisations, SMEs, or start-up environments will all be considered.