Product Developer – Food and Drink (Retail)

About the role

We are partnering with a well‑established food manufacturer to find a passionate Product Developer who will own the end‑to‑end creation of retail food products. You will work directly with retailers, turning brief ideas into shelf‑ready launches.

Key responsibilities

• Lead new product development from concept through factory launch for retail customers.
• Act as the primary contact for retailers, managing project enquiries and timelines.
• Develop, taste, and refine products to meet customer expectations, market trends, and brief specifications.
• Present product concepts and samples on‑site and face‑to‑face with customers.
• Manage critical paths, ensuring on‑time and in‑budget launches.
• Ensure compliance with retailer specifications, food safety standards, and labelling requirements.
• Oversee artwork approval, packaging development, and retailer sign‑off.
• Source and approve raw materials with suppliers to meet retailer standards.

Required profile

• Experience in food manufacturing, product development or new product development (NPD).
• Background working with retailers, supermarkets or food‑service customers.
• Strong understanding of retailer specifications, food labelling and compliance.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or equivalent experience preferred.
• Passion for food trends, innovation and retail product development.
• Confident presenter with solid stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities.

Required skills

• Food Science / Food Technology knowledge
• New Product Development (NPD)
• Project Management
• Food safety and labelling compliance
• Retail specification interpretation

What we offer

• Exciting retailer‑led innovation projects
• Customer‑facing role with real ownership and visibility
• Opportunity to build strong retailer relationships
• Supportive and collaborative team environment