Product Developer

Operating within the Research, Development & Quality (RDQ) team, this role involves supporting the creation, kitchen sampling, factory trialing, and documentation of new soup products for major UK brands and private labels.

Advert:

Are you passionate about food, cooking, and innovation? Do you want to help create the next generation of products for some of the UK's leading soup brands?

We are looking for a Product Developer to join our Research, Development & Quality (RDQ) team. This is an exciting opportunity for a food graduate, an individual at the start of their career, or a chef looking to transition into New Product Development (NPD) and innovation.

At Hain Celestial, we manufacture soups for both private label customers and our own brands. You'll have the opportunity to work on products for well-known brands including Yorkshire Provender, Cully & Sully, New Covent Garden Soup and many more.

If you love cooking, enjoy experimenting with ingredients, have culinary experience, and want to build a career developing innovative food products from concept through to launch, this could be the perfect role for you.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Product Developer, you'll support the development of exciting new products and projects that meet our quality, safety, commercial and customer requirements.

Product Sampling & Kitchen Development

• Organise and distribute sample requests.

• Prepare repeat kitchen samples and product prototypes.

• Source, shop for and order ingredients.

• Label, pack and dispatch samples.

• Arrange couriers and deliveries.

• Manage ingredient and sample stock to ensure the smooth running of the development kitchen.

Concept & Innovation Development

• Support the creation of new product concepts from idea through to approval.

• Follow the NPD process and customer requirements.

• Assist with product costings and customer submission documents.

• Organise tasting panels and present products to internal teams and customers.

• Attend supplier meetings and stay up to date with market trends and ingredients.

Factory Trials & Product Launches

• Support factory trials from set-up through to completion.

• Gather trial data and complete post-trial assessments.

• Assist with product file completion and technical documentation.

• Produce accurate reports and share findings with stakeholders.

• Help ensure successful product launches.

Customer & Stakeholder Relationships

• Communicate effectively with both internal and external customers throughout development projects.

• Understand and follow customer brand standards and development procedures.

• Help maintain strong customer confidence through professional project management.

Team Contribution

• Support departmental budgets and spend tracking.

• Work collaboratively across departments.

• Help maintain a clean, organised and hygienic working environment.

• Champion company values and continuous improvement.

About You

We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic about food and eager to develop their career in innovation and product development.

Essential

• Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts or related degree (or equivalent experience).

• Basic culinary skills and a genuine passion for food.

• Strong organisation and communication skills.

• Creative mindset with the ability to think outside the box.

• Positive, enthusiastic and flexible approach.

• Full UK driving licence.

Ideal Experience

• Experience within food product development (although graduates and early-career candidates are encouraged to apply).

• Experience working with chilled food products.

• Understanding of commercial product development processes.

• Ability to work cross-functionally with a variety of teams.

What can we offer you?

• Competitive salary / rate of pay

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holiday

• Option to purchase additional annual leave

• A day off work to support our charity partners

• Flexible working options

• Pension

• Medical benefit

• And access to a HUB that offers many discounts from a range of suppliers and retailers

About The Hain Celestial Group

Hain Celestial Group is a leading health and wellness company whose purpose is to inspire healthier living for people, communities and the planet through better-for-you brands. For more than 30 years, our portfolio of beloved brands has intentionally focused on delivering nutrition and well-being that positively impacts today and tomorrow.