Food Development Specialist
23 days ago
Alderton
About the roleWe're looking for a Food Development Specialist to take ownership of our growing Oakhouse Foods range — creating high-quality, great-tasting meals that truly make a difference to our customers.This is a unique opportunity to shape products designed for older consumers, the care sector, and NHS settings, where food quality, nutrition, and consistency really matter.You'll lead both New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) — bringing ideas to life from concept through to launch, while ensuring every product delivers commercially and meets the highest standards .Location - Chippenham ¦ Oakhouse Foods (part of Pilgrim's Europe)Working Hours - Monday to Friday (office-based role)What you'll be doingOwn the end-to-end product development process from concept to launchCreate and deliver seasonal and insight-led product rangesChampion food quality, taste, texture and nutritional integrityUse data, customer feedback and performance insights to shape decisionsBalance commercial targets (cost, margin) with product excellenceDevelop and refine recipes with a strong understanding of ingredients and functionalityLead tastings, benchmarking, and continuous product improvementsManage multiple projects and critical paths to ensure timely deliveryCollaborate cross-functionally with brand, commercial, supply chain and technical teamsWork closely with suppliers and support factory trials to ensure scalabilityWhat we're looking forExperience in food product development, ideally within frozen or ready mealsStrong understanding of food quality, flavour, ingredients and nutritionCommercial awareness with the ability to balance cost, margin and customer valueAbility to turn data and insight into actionable product decisionsStrong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple workstreamsKnowledge of food safety and quality standards (HACCP, BRC)Confident communicator who can influence stakeholders and partnersQualificationsDegree (or equivalent experience) in Food Science, Nutrition, Food Technology or Culinary ArtsHACCP / Food Safety certifications (desirable)Experience with specialist diets (e.g. texture-modified foods) is a plusWhy join Pilgrim's Europe?At Pilgrim's Europe, we offer more than just a role — we offer the chance to build a career in a fast-paced, growing food business.Be part of a company where quality and innovation drive everythingWork on products that have a real impact on people's livesJoin a collaborative, supportive team with strong valuesOpportunities for career development and progressionA culture built on Ownership, Simplicity and DeterminationReady to apply?If you're passionate about food, driven by quality, and excited by the challenge of creating products that truly matter — we'd love to hear from you.Apply now and help shape the future of Oakhouse Foods at Pilgrim's Europe!TPBN1_UKTJ