The People Co.
Product Developer
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Product Developer
Hands-on Foodie │ New Product Development (NPD) │ Customer-Facing Role
About the Role
Are you a hands-on foodie who thrives on turning innovative concepts into commercially successful products? We are seeking a confident, customer-facing Product Developer to drive exciting NPD (New Product Development) projects—from initial brief to full launch—within a fast-paced, growing food business.
This role demands a mix of creativity, commercial acumen, and collaboration to ensure seamless development while maintaining on-time, on-budget, high-quality outcomes. If you excel in dynamic environments where ideas transform into market-ready products, this could be your opportunity to make a meaningful business impact.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development Lifecycle
- Lead full NPD projects, from customer briefing through design, development, manufacturing, and launch
- Align product ideas with customer needs, market trends, and business objectives
- Manage critical timelines, ensuring on-time, in-budget delivery
Creative & Strategic Input
- Collaborate in brainstorming sessions to generate innovative product concepts
- Present ideas to stakeholders and customers with clarity and persuasion
- Develop viable commercial solutions by balancing creativity with cost constraints
Technical & Operational Management
- Input and oversee recipe formulation, ensuring cost efficiency and alignment with targets
- Submit all NPD documentation, including spec sign-offs, artwork approvals, and labelling compliance
- Source and evaluate raw materials, adhering to quality, cost, and regulatory standards
- Manage sample testing (raw materials and finished products) for consistency and timely distribution
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Cross-Functional Coordination
- Lead weekly NPD meetings and drive action plans
- Act as the primary point of contact for customers on product development projects
- Communicate effectively with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and creative teams
- Facilitate customer visits, follow-up actions, and business development enquiries
Customer & Brand Compliance
- Deliver professional presentations (on-site or externally) to engage customers and stakeholders
- Oversee end-to-end artwork development, ensuring legal compliance, accuracy, and brand consistency
- Support product photography and submission requirements
Requirements
Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years in food manufacturing, specialising in:
- New Product Development (NPD)
- Project Management or related experience
- Customer-facing experience in food/beverage industry (advantageous)
- Degree (or equivalent experience) preferred in:
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Related field (e.g., Culinary or Biochemistry)
- Strong knowledge of:
- Food legislation
- Labelling standards
- Food safety norms
- Retail/brand compliance requirements
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Core Skills & Attributes
- Passionate about food, innovation, and consumer trends
- Analytical thinker with ability to propose commercially viable solutions
- Proven project management skills (e.g., Gantt charts, agile methods)
- Hands-on experience in managing critical paths from concept to launch
- Cost-aware with ability to balance budgets, quality, and creativity
- Highly organised, with excellent time-management skills (e.g., Excel-concept calendars)
- Confident communicator, comfortable presenting to internal/external stakeholders
- Relationship-building expertise across vendors, customers, and internal teams
- Detail-oriented & proactive, with a solutions-focused mindset
- Systems-literate, proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
- Experience with brands/retailers: highly beneficial
Employment Conditions
- UK Right to Work is a mandatory requirement.
- Visa sponsorship will not be provided.
How to Apply
To apply in strict confidence, please submit a comprehensive CV (including salary expectations) via email. Quote the relevant reference and direct your application to:
James Constable Email: [not provided] (Due to high application volume, individual replies are not guaranteed.)
Note: You can expect an acknowledgment response by 1-week post-submission. If no feedback is received within this timeframe, assume the application was unsuccessful in this round.
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