Food Development Manager - Food Retail - Mon - Fri - Upto 55k

Food Development Manager - Food Retail Company - Up to 55k + Benefits - Mon - Fri - South London Areas

Role Overview:

My client is looking for a confident, commercially focused Product Development Manager with strong experience in food retail/hospitality background to join their team in South London. You will lead the development of innovative, high-quality sweet and savoury food products and menus, working exclusively with UK-based suppliers. This is an on-site role that requires cross-functional collaboration, supplier management, and regular UK travel.

You'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of gross profit margins, product positioning, and market trends, and be comfortable presenting directly to directors and senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver a pipeline of new food products and seasonal menus, across both sweet and savoury ranges.

• Lead product development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring quality, brand alignment, and commercial success.

• Work with only UK-based suppliers and manufacturers, building strong, effective relationships.

• Ensure all new products meet commercial targets, including gross profit margin and customer appeal.

• Manage the full menu and product development calendar, aligned to business objectives, seasons, and campaigns.

• Create and manage detailed product specifications, including ingredient declarations, allergens, nutritional profiles, and packaging.

• Ensure full compliance with UK food safety legislation, H&S ,labelling regulations, and internal quality standards.

• Liaise directly with company directors, presenting concepts, margin performance, and development updates.

• Conduct regular competitor reviews and food trend analysis to drive ongoing innovation.

• Travel across the UK for supplier visits, product trials, tastings, and production support.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Solid experience in a similar food product development role within a retail or food manufacturing environment or restaurants

• Strong understanding of product costing and gross profit margin management.

• Understand all about different textures and flavours

• Proven experience developing both sweet and savoury food products.

• Confident dealing with directors, senior management, and cross-functional teams.

• Skilled at managing UK-based suppliers and manufacturers.

• Excellent knowledge of UK food safety laws, labelling requirements, and quality standards.

• Comfortable managing multiple projects and working to tight timelines.

• Willing to travel within the UK regularly as part of the role.

• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for great food.

Desirable:

• Culinary, Food Science, or Product Development qualifications.

• Familiarity with sustainable sourcing, HFSS regulations, or allergen labelling best practices.

• Previous experience in food categories such as chilled, bakery, desserts, or premium grocery.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary + performance-related bonus

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays

• Staff discount across all product ranges

• On-site working with a close-knit and innovative team

• Involvement in shaping the company's food offer and menu direction

• Travel opportunities across the UK to visit trusted suppliers