Food Product Developer – Fixed-Term (6 months)

About the role

We are seeking a Food Product Developer to join our New Product Development team in Middlesbrough on a six‑month fixed‑term contract. The role involves creating new food products and adapting existing ones to meet customer and brand requirements while ensuring commercial viability and successful scale‑up to production.

Key responsibilities

• Develop new and adapted food products on time and within budget.
• Generate ideas, support new projects and participate in internal and external innovation sessions.
• Act as the primary contact for customers, building proactive relationships with their product development teams.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to assess feasibility and align products with company and customer strategies.
• Lead product presentations and address issues related to scalability and sustainability.
• Ensure recipes meet food quality standards, commercial targets and brand guidelines.
• Prepare accurate new product development (NPD) documentation and benchmarking reports.
• Travel to UK manufacturing sites and customer locations as required.

Required profile

• Experience in supermarket own‑label or food product development.
• Relevant food‑based degree (desirable).
• Passion for food and awareness of market and food trends.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary £35,000‑£45,000 per annum.
• Six‑month fixed‑term contract.
• Opportunity to work with leading food brands and a large manufacturing portfolio.
• On‑site work in Middlesbrough with occasional travel to other sites.