Senior Product Developer

TN United Kingdom; Chichester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the food sector is seeking a Senior Product Developer to join their innovative team. This role is pivotal in driving product development, focusing on customer needs and market insights to create commercially viable products. You'll collaborate with various teams, manage key stakeholders, and ensure that product launches meet expectations. With a commitment to quality and diversity, this company offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions will significantly impact the future of food. If you are passionate about food innovation and eager to make a difference, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading New Product Development within food.
• Knowledge of retail landscape and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development from concept to launch, ensuring timely delivery.
• Manage customer relationships and coordinate product samples.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Food Manufacturing Knowledge

New Product Development

Food Science / Technology

Chilled Product Development

Education

Degree or HND in Food Science/Technology

Tools

Point 74 Recipe Management System

Job description

Overview

Natures Way Foods is a leading fresh prepared food manufacturer in the UK, specialising in providing fresh and convenient food to major retail and food service customers. Our success is rooted in enduring supplier and customer relationships, committed to delivering excellence in Quality, Service, and Value.

Our company is fuelled by innovation and a commitment to providing quality products that nourish and delight consumers. With four manufacturing facilities, we have the capacity to produce over 326 million units per year, making us a key player in the food industry. As an inclusive and diverse organization, we celebrate our multicultural workforce, spanning 39 different languages. We believe that diversity is our strength and that it fosters a rich and dynamic work environment.

Responsibilities

We are seeking to appoint immediately a Senior Product Developer to support our product development team. The purpose of this role is to grow NWF and Customer sales, profit and market share by delivering customer focused NPD/EPD based on Category and Consumer Insight. To lead and operate within the development gated process, working cross functionally across the business, to implement new products from concept to launch.

• Build and maintain customer relationships, acting as the dedicated contact to provide accurate and consistent communication both internally and externally, ensuring any issues are identified and resolved quickly.
• Work with the Category and Sales Teams to identify tactical opportunities with strategic long-term views, converting insight into commercially viable products and solutions.
• Manage key stakeholders within gated development process, ensuring appropriate accountability and responsibilities.
• Support the development of Development Assistants.
• Create products and propositions in line with customer briefs with Product Developers and Chefs, ensuring adherence to customer specific technical and sourcing policies.
• Ensure all product launches are on time; meeting customer expectations for product and cost, whilst ensuring we achieve NWF required margin.
• Project manage NPD/EPD through the NWF gated development process. Ownership of the customer critical path.
• Work with the Product Director to drive and deliver a 3-year rolling development plan for the customer, working in conjunction with Sales and Category.
• Coordinate product samples with the customer and Chef Team throughout the process.

Skills and Experience

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of the retail landscape, the retailer’s processes and experience working with them directly.
• Good knowledge of food manufacturing and operations.
• Demonstrable skills in leading New Product Development within food.
• Food Science / Technology qualification at Degree or HND Level.
• Chilled product development experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of Point 74 Recipe Management System is desirable.
• Driving license required for business travel.

Qualifications

At Natures Way Foods, we are on a journey of success, and we believe passionate individuals will take us even further. Our people agenda is centred on employer engagement through listening and training. We value your input, and our commitment to your growth is reflected in ongoing training opportunities and a culture that encourages open communication.

We are dedicated to investing in our future to delight our customers and continue to be a major supplier to market-leading brands, providing a quality-driven, food-secure supply chain.

How to Apply

If you are ready to join Natures Way Foods and help us continue our journey of innovation and growth, please submit your resume through our online advertisement.

Natures Way Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us in shaping the future of food at Natures Way Foods!

NO AGENCIES.