Food Product Developer – 6‑Month Fixed‑Term

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Food Product Developer to join our fast‑paced New Product Development team on a six‑month fixed‑term contract. The role involves turning customer ideas into commercially viable food products, from concept through to production, with regular travel to manufacturing sites.

Key responsibilities

• Develop products to agreed customer briefs, timelines and budgets.
• Generate innovative ideas and contribute to internal and external innovation sessions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customer product development teams.
• Act as the primary customer contact throughout product development projects.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure product feasibility and successful delivery.
• Lead product presentations for customers and internal stakeholders.
• Support resolution of challenges relating to scalability, manufacturing and sustainability.
• Ensure recipes meet quality, commercial and brand requirements.
• Prepare and maintain accurate NPD documentation and product records.
• Conduct product benchmarking and present findings.
• Stay up to date with market insights, consumer trends and food innovation.
• Travel to manufacturing sites and customer meetings as required.

Required profile

• Experience in food product development, preferably supermarket own‑label.
• Strong customer‑facing and relationship management abilities.
• Background in retail or FMCG product development environment.
• Passion for food and innovation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong planning, organisation and project management capabilities.
• Good analytical and numerical skills with high attention to detail.
• Full UK driving licence.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint.

What we offer

• Competitive salary £35,000‑£45,000 per annum.
• Six‑month fixed‑term contract.
• Regular travel to UK manufacturing sites and customer locations.
• Opportunity to work on innovative food products within a dynamic team.