Product Developer

Our client comprises of two iconic baked goods brands with a strong history and heritage who have now merged to create one unique, integrated company. Owned by an FMCG giant who operates in more than 50 countries, with products sold in over 170 countries, represented by almost 38.000 employees worldwide, and a consolidated turnover of €12.7 billion (2020-21).

We have an exciting opportunity to join their Retailer Brand & key strategic business Partners team as a Product Developer.

This is a wide ranging role from dreaming up initial concepts, developing them with the R&D Team and working with the Customer Development Managers to sell them into their customers.

Supporting the Customer Development Managers, you will ensure that new concepts are backed with insight led, customer specific rationales for each workstream and will then carefully manage implementation on time and on budget. Work with Project Management team to ensure projects are running to time and ensure that all project paperwork is kept up to date and accurate.

You will have an understanding of product development process from concept to launch and will be confident in using technical IT support systems. Working within a fast paced, agile, and entrepreneurial business, this role is a great opportunity for a self-starting individual with the ability to hit the ground running and turn ideas into action.

This role will be based in Batley but will require some travel around the UK so a driving license will be required.

Responsibilities to include:

• Support NPD, exploring key food and ingredient trends, new technology and processes to brainstorm products which are innovative and ahead of our competitors.
• Take concept briefs, interpret, and cascade to key functions to ensure project delivery. Co-create recipes with the R&D team which fulfil project objectives.
• Apply personal experience and/or observations to suggest new concepts.
• Organisation of customer samples.
• Working closely with peer Product Developers to ensure common best practices are kept across the business and across different retailers.
• Working with the R&D team to ensure the any NPD meets both the product and packaging brief.

Experience and skill set needed:

• A degree or equivalent experience in a food-related subject and knowledge of product development process and technical systems.
• Must have experience of working in a fast-paced environment and working under pressure to deliver against internal and external expectations.
• Must have confidence in dealing with numerical data, be it recipes and/or P&Ls.
• Previous product development experience in FMCG manufacturer or retailer is desirable but not essential.
• Evidence of developing products and/or services is highly desirable as well as an understanding of the product development and stage gate processes.
• A good understanding of end-to-end manufacturing S&OP processes including demand and supply planning, costing and stage gate processes.
• Drive, energy and enthusiasm - a good self-starter and a quick learner.