Product Developer

RDQ Department
Reporting to: NPD Manager
Location: Grimsby/Multi-site (travel across sites required)

We are looking for a creative, organised and enthusiastic Product Developer to join our Research, Development & Quality (RDQ) team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a food-focused individual to support the development and launch of innovative, commercially successful chilled food products. Working closely with internal teams, suppliers and customers, you will play a key role in taking products from concept through to factory launch while ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, safety and profitability.

If you're a passionate foodie with product development experience and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we'd love to hear from you.

• Organise and distribute product samples for internal and customer reviews.
• Prepare repeat kitchen samples and benchmark products.
• Source and order ingredients and materials.
• Label, pack and arrange delivery of samples.
• Manage ingredient and sample stock, ensuring effective stock rotation and kitchen organisation.

• Support the New Product Development (NPD) process from concept through to approval.
• Develop products in line with customer and brand specifications.
• Complete product costings where required.
• Prepare customer submission information and supporting documentation.
• Organise and present tasting panels to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Attend supplier meetings and identify opportunities for innovation.

• Support factory trials from planning through to completion.
• Collect, analyse and report trial data accurately.
• Assist in the completion of product files and launch documentation.
• Support successful product launches through adherence to NPD processes and procedures.

• Maintain effective communication with both internal and external customers.
• Develop an understanding of customer requirements, standards and processes.
• Ensure relevant teams are briefed on customer expectations and project requirements.

• Monitor and track departmental spend against budget.
• Support colleagues across the RDQ function and wider business.
• Champion company values and promote cross-functional collaboration.
• Help maintain clean, safe and hygienic working environments.

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline.
• Basic culinary skills and passion for food.
• Minimum 1 year's product development experience within the food industry.
• Experience working with chilled food products.
• Proven ability to deliver projects to agreed timelines.
• Basic commercial and financial awareness.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Creative, innovative and able to think outside the box.
• Passionate about food and food trends.
• Positive, enthusiastic and self-motivated.
• Flexible and adaptable in a changing environment.
• Able to build collaborative working relationships.
• Focused on delivering consistent, high-quality results.

• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to travel regularly between sites, suppliers and customers.
• Flexibility to stay overnight and work additional hours when business needs require.

• Office environment.
• Development kitchen.
• Chilled manufacturing facilities.
• Customer, supplier and site locations across the business.

This role offers the opportunity to be involved in every stage of the product development journey, working with experienced teams and major customers to create innovative products that reach the market. You'll gain hands‑on exposure to concept creation, factory trials, customer presentations and product launches while contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are…