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WHSmith2 days ago

Product Developer - Food and Impulse

On-site · London, England, United Kingdom or Swindon, England, United Kingdom

Type
Full Time
Level
Mid Level
Education
Bachelors Degree
Company size
Large

Job Summary

Lead and own end-to-end product development for food-to-go categories (sandwiches, hot food, bakery, snacking, drinks) from brief through listing. Translate trends, consumer and competitor insights into compelling product briefs and range proposals; manage supplier partnerships and drive development cycles with clear, commercial briefs, costing, and launch timelines. Collaborate with buying, quality, operations, and marketing to ensure allergen compliance, labeling, and nutritional standards are met; maintain up-to-date specs, artwork briefs, and development trackers. Develop packaging briefs and manage end-to-end packaging production with stakeholders; create recipes in relevant systems and ensure store readiness. Bring products from concept to launch while maintaining margin targets, cost of goods, and retail selling prices. Require strong communication to influence internally, manage multiple projects in a fast-moving retail environment, and stay aligned with UK food legislation and internal policies. Hybrid working model from home and in the office with international and travel retail exposure; located in or near London or Swindon for in-office collaboration.

Required Qualifications

  • Proven product development experience within food to go, travel retail, convenience, or a major UK multiple retailer
  • Strong track record of taking products from brief to launch across multiple categories
  • Experience managing supplier relationships and leading briefing and development sessions
  • Solid understanding of food safety, allergen legislation, and UK labelling requirements
  • Commercially literate – able to cost products, model margins, and make sound trade-off decisions
  • Familiarity with NPD systems and spec management tools
  • Food science, culinary, or nutrition qualification (degree or equivalent)
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WHSmith

Product Developer - Food and Impulse

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