Company Description
At Valeo Foods UK, we're the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.
But that's not all – our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it's the Wild West flavours of New World Foods, the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.
Job Description
We are looking for a Senior Product Developer to join us on a 10 month FTC to support the NPD + EPD activity across a portfolio of private label accounts, B2B and food service along with developing products from concept to customer sign off working in a cross functional manner internally and externally.
- Manage private label accounts to deliver new product launches and key customer initiatives
- Build strong working relationships and rapport with key customer contacts
- Take the lead on R&D customer visits by coordinating and collaborating across the business to ensure a successful outcome
- Support on creating effective customer quality plans
- Attend stage/gate meeting and manage projects ensuring there are structured project plans in place
- Coordinate project handover to the Process Development Manager and Operations team, ensuring successful factory implementation to meet customers’ expectations. Factory and trial support required as necessary
- Responsible for project meetings as required, working closely with Grocery Controllers and National Account Managers.
- Effective management of the front end critical path to land projects on time, in full
- Timely stakeholder engagement to provide project updates and plan remedial action/contingencies as necessary
- Actively engage with external stakeholders and across the industry to explore opportunities for innovation
- Explore new processes, products, ingredients and packaging formats to share opportunities for improvement and advancement to the business
- Proactive development of products in response to market trends and benchmarking
- Drive innovation which is cost effective and identify opportunities within the team to further increase efficiency and reduce costs
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent in Food Science or related discipline.
- Min 5 years’ experience in R&D/Development role or similar experience
- Ability to apply technical knowledge and skills in a kitchen and manufacturing environment
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Skilled at building collaborative relationships internally and externally
- Highly organised, able to multi-task and prioritise effectively
- Strong time management skills and attention to detail
- Passion for development and the food industry
- Problem solving skills
- A drive to succeed
Additional Information
- Excellent Career Opportunities
- Matched pension scheme
- Death in service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Retailer discount platform
- Staff discount
- And plenty more!
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Top Skills
What We Do
We are a leading producer and innovator of high quality, category-defining branded food products that have a proud history that dates back to 1845.
At Valeo Foods, we are passionate about food and our portfolio of over 20 iconic food brands, which includes Jacobs, Batchelors, Kettle, Rowse Honey, Balconi, Schluckwerder, are tried and trusted by consumers across Ireland, UK and Europe for their quality, wholesomeness, nutrition and fun.
We are a diverse business that combines food production, brand development and innovation, distribution and sales. We are Ireland’s largest ambient food supplier to the grocery trade, a major supplier to the food service market through Valeo Professional, and an increasingly prominent supplier to the UK market and a range of European Markets now.
We are focused on the continued development of our excellent portfolio of category defining food brands as we look to expand our footprint across Ireland, UK, Europe and beyond with our latest acquisition in North America. We are committed to delivering quality food products through continued innovation and excellence in manufacturing. This commitment ensures that our brands retain a market leading position in each of their respective categories.
We continue to recruit people with the best skills and expertise across a range of areas including manufacturing, food science, research and development, nutrition, distribution, sales, operations, marketing, human resources and finance, and aspire to be a best in class employer, focused on developing and empowering our people.
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