Food Quality & Private Label Development Manager

About the role

An international food manufacturing group with an established presence across the UK and Europe is looking for a Food Quality and Private Label Development Manager based in London. The role supports private label product development and quality for UK retail customers, combining technical project management, product compliance and quality assurance. It acts as the key technical interface between customers, commercial teams and manufacturing sites.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate private label product development projects from initial concept through to industrial production.
• Act as technical interface between UK retail customers, project management teams, marketing departments and manufacturing sites.
• Assess new product requests, evaluate feasibility and prioritise projects according to business requirements.
• Coordinate product trials, factory tests and first production runs, ensuring successful product approval and launch.
• Manage product specifications, customer requirements and packaging artwork approval.
• Monitor product quality, customer complaints, quality performance indicators and corrective action plans.
• Ensure manufacturing sites comply with customer quality standards, audit requirements and food safety regulations.
• Oversee product labelling, ingredient declarations, nutritional information, packaging specifications and regulatory compliance.
• Support quality incident management, product withdrawals and recalls, coordinating communication with stakeholders.
• Work with quality, R&D, commercial and supply chain teams to drive continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Higher education in food science, food technology, agri-food engineering or a related discipline.
• Senior experience in quality, production or product development within the food industry, including factory experience.
• Experience with UK retail customers and private label products is highly advantageous.
• Fluent French, including technical French, is a strong advantage; candidates without French will also be considered.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and to France as required.
• Able to work in the office up to three days per week, depending on business needs and customer visits.

Required skills

• Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Good understanding of food quality standards, hygiene, product specifications and food labelling regulations.
• Experience in change management, product approval and technical customer liaison.
• Excellent organisational skills and confident, independent decision-making.

What we offer

• Salary of up to £50,000 per annum plus benefits.
• Visa sponsorship may be considered for the right candidate.