We’re looking for a passionate and creative Senior Product Developer to join our RDQ team and play a key role in bringing innovative, high-quality food products to market.
Reporting to the NPD Manager, you’ll manage development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring products meet quality, safety, customer, and commercial expectations while following established NPD processes and procedures.
This is an exciting opportunity for a driven foodie with chilled product development experience who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
Project Management
- Lead customer and brand development projects from brief to launch
- Ensure all NPD procedures and documentation are completed accurately and on time
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to keep projects on track
- Organise and facilitate project meetings
- Troubleshoot challenges and escalate risks where required
Concept Development
- Develop innovative and commercially viable products
- Ensure feasibility, costing, and benchmarking processes are followed
- Manage internal tastings and customer submissions
- Work closely with Procurement, Technical, and Operations teams on new ingredients and packaging
- Ensure products meet customer, brand, and factory standards
Process Development
- Support and run PPRs and factory trials
- Maintain accurate product files and technical documentation
- Ensure compliance with BRC standards and audit readiness
- Coordinate shelf-life, nutritional, artwork, and product quality information
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation across products and processes
- Support product launches and customer approvals
Customer Relationship Management
- Act as a key NPD contact for customers and brand teams
- Build strong customer relationships through effective communication
- Work collaboratively with Sales and Technical teams to deliver a consistent customer approach
- Stay informed on customer standards and expectations
Teamwork & Leadership
- Deputise for the NPD Manager when required
- Support and mentor placement students
- Contribute to departmental budget management
- Champion cross-functional collaboration and Hain values
- Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic working environment
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Food Science or a related discipline
- Basic culinary skills
- 2–3 years’ experience in product development
- Experience within chilled food manufacturing
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Proven track record of delivering commercially successful products
- Basic financial understanding
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Personal Attributes
- Creative, innovative, and passionate about food
- Collaborative and relationship-focused
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Positive, enthusiastic, and proactive mindset
- Ability to work cross-functionally at all levels
- Full UK driving licence
Working Environment
- Primarily office-based with regular work in chilled factory and kitchen environments
- Travel to suppliers, customers, and other company sites will be required
- Occasional overnight stays and flexibility around working hours may be needed
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a collaborative and forward-thinking business where innovation, continuous improvement, and teamwork are at the heart of what we do. This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact on exciting product launches while developing your career within a supportive environment.
Apply now to help shape the future of food innovation.
