Product Developer

Product Development

• Develop innovative bakery products in line with business objectives and customer requirements.
• Create original bakery products and recipes to meet customer briefs and commercial expectations.
• Manage products throughout the full concept-to-launch process, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Demonstrate a strong passion for food, baking, and product innovation, with the ability to identify and incorporate current market trends into new product development.
• Accurately document recipes, methods, and development records in accordance with internal product development procedures.
• Prepare preliminary recipe costings during development to ensure products meet target cost requirements.
• Coordinate product samples, packaging, and distribution for customer submissions, ensuring products are presented to a consistently high standard and delivered on time.
• Carry out initial shelf-life and transport suitability assessments for new product concepts where required.
• Complete all relevant documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including product submission forms, specifications, development handovers, and new ingredient requests.
• Work alongside Process Development and Technical teams to complete shelf-life validation throughout the development process, considering formulation, packaging, production environment, and storage conditions while ensuring accurate documentation before full-scale production.
• Collaborate with Technical and Production teams to support factory trials, pre-production runs, and product launches.
• Partner with Procurement to source and evaluate new ingredients for product development.
• Ensure any new equipment or raw materials required for product launches receive the necessary approvals and are available before production begins.
• Develop all new products and product modifications in accordance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive records of product development, including recipe documentation, design history, and photographic records.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking and market research to maintain awareness of industry trends and emerging product opportunities.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe product development kitchen and workspace, promoting good housekeeping and food safety practices at all times.

• Attend internal meetings and project briefings, ensuring effective communication and clear handovers between teams.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, clients, and commercial stakeholders throughout the product development process.
• Represent the organisation professionally at internal and external meetings when required.
• Support promotional activities, exhibitions, and product events to help showcase products and increase market awareness.
• Respond professionally and promptly to customer enquiries, correspondence, and telephone communications.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Basic Food Safety certification or training.
• Full driving licence preferred but not essential.
• Highly organised, proactive, and self-motivated, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.