1,047 Product Development Specialist jobs in the United Kingdom

Bakery Specialist

Here at Campden BRI the aim of the Product and Ingredient Development Team is to provide world class research and development support to the food and beverage industry. A key focus is helping clients to bring standout products to market in an efficient yet safe manner. The team also provides technical training and support to the industry.

This role helps to deliver this aim through leadership of the portfolio of research and development projects and training activities within the baking and cereal processing categories. The role will also involve both management and hands on delivery of projects, with support from Technologists and other team members. The role holder will act as the key representative of Campden BRI within the bakery and cereals industry, interacting with clients to generate and deliver against new projects.

A requirement will be to interact with clients, both internal and external, generate project proposals, manage a variety of projects, and deliver the outputs to clients. Presentations to clients will be important for project work, training courses and client meetings. The role will require contact with a broad range of clients (including industry, government, and academia), from practical through to senior managerial.

Position

• Conduct practical project work associated with baking and other activities
• Plan and arrange bakery training courses, leading delivery of the majority of modules and ensuring inputs from other experts on specific modules where necessary
• Develop, negotiate, and manage the portfolio of bakery projects and training courses, ensuring adequate resourcing and on time delivery of projects via personal ownership or delegation to bakery technologist
• Manage agreed projects, liaising with other departments and clients to ensure effective on time delivery
• Write reports for contract projects
• Lead client discussions and generate project proposals for client work
• Help in the development and supervision of junior staff, in particular supporting the Junior Technologist on project delivery
• Help maintain the bakery facilities and equipment including role of equipment officer

Requirements

• Graduate in Food Science or equivalent with proven post graduate experience, or extensive relevant employment experience.
• Proven competence of working in a bakery related environment.
• Extensive knowledge of key bakery raw materials, production methods, processes and baked product analysis is required
• Practical experience across at least 2 of the key bakery categories- Bread, Cake, Pastry and Biscuit
• Analytical and enquiring thinking.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Project and resource management.
• Customer facing experience beneficial

Benefits

• Reward platform with employee discounts and rewards
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
• Buy and sell holiday scheme
• A generous work save pension scheme, with employee contributions matched by the company up to 10%
• Culture focus around work/life balance (early finish Fridays)
• Subsidised onsite restaurant

Additional information:

Please note this role is based in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire. You will be expected to work onsite, although occassional hybrid working may be possible.

Due to our rural location, you do need to have your own transport, as there is no public transport available.

Click 'apply now' or email your CV to

ABOUT THE ROLE

My client is looking for a Product Development Specialist to take ownership of the creative and commercial development of product ranges across assigned brands and categories. You’ll become a recognised market expert, curating seasonal collections, delivering trend-led products ahead of competitors, and responding to customer-specific briefs with speed, quality, and cost efficiency. You’ll also ensure the continuous improvement of our core everyday lines, keeping them fresh and competitive in the market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create commercially viable product ranges that meet brand and customer requirements.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers, building strong relationships.
• Negotiate competitive pricing and ensure margin targets are met.
• Maintain accurate pricing and specifications with the Product Admin team.
• Review and approve all product, packaging, and presentation artwork.
• Ensure all details are accurate to achieve “right first time” sampling.
• Approve final sales presentations before release.
• Manage product timelines through to PPS approval. Approve samples in line with specifications.
• Conduct regular competitive shopping to identify trends, formats, pricing, and opportunities. Present insights to inform product strategy and range development.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

To be considered for this role, you must have previous experience in a similar product-focused or Buying role where you have gained the following skills:

• Strong commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Confident numerical and data analysis abilities.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Passion for innovative and distinctive product development.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Creative, curious, and trend-aware.
• Decisive under pressure and effective at problem-solving.

The role will be office-based in the Manchester area, so you must also live within a commutable distance to this location.

ABOUT THE CLIENT

My client is an established, progressive and continuously growing Manchester-based business. This is your chance to shape market-leading product ranges from concept to launch, working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. You’ll play a vital role in driving innovation, quality, and commercial success while becoming a recognised expert in your category.

SALARY

£30,000 - £35,000 DOE

Formulation & Product Development Specialist – EU Nutraceuticals

Location: Remote (UK based)

Travel: Occasional EU + China

Comp: Strong base + high-impact bonus

Shape the future of nutraceutical innovation in Europe.

This is your chance to own formulation strategy across Europe for one of the fastest-growing names in nutraceuticals. This is a business in expansion mode - and they need your expertise to lead innovation, win clients, and deliver commercially viable solutions.

You’ll step into a mission-critical role as the go-to EU formulator, advising global clients, collaborating with R&D, and partnering with commercial leaders across the US and APAC.

What’s in it for you

• Impact from day one – take full ownership of EU formulation strategy.
• Global platform – work across 40+ countries with teams in the US, China, and APAC.
• High visibility – senior client-facing role with influence over product direction.
• Premium package – strong base salary, excellent benefits, and international travel opportunities.
• Growth trajectory – join at a pivotal stage as revenues multiply six-fold in the next four years.

Why join?

This is a global health supplement innovator trusted by B2B clients in 40+ countries. Lean, entrepreneurial, and ambitious, they back their people with resources, visibility, and real accountability. Your predecessor spent 30+ years here — proof that this is a role with staying power and long-term impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead EU formulation development across categories — efficacy, compliance, market fit
• Partner directly with clients on formulation strategy, positioning, and regulations
• Bring new ideas: spot trends, champion clinically substantiated innovations, and build them into the pipeline
• Connect globally with dosage, R&D, and commercial teams across China, APAC, and the US

Who you are

• Proven B2B supplement formulator (CMO, consultancy, or in-house)
• Deep grasp of EU supplement legislation and regulatory nuance
• Commercially sharp — able to win credibility with customers as both scientist and strategist

Who this suits

You’re not just a formulator. You’re a commercial partner, technical lead, and innovator. You thrive when you’re trusted to own outcomes, not just deliver inputs — and you want the stage to shape the future of formulations at global scale.

Apply now for a confidential conversation with Walker Lovell.

• Conceptualize and develop new beauty product ideas based on market research and consumer insights.
• Manage the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial briefing to final production.
• Collaborate closely with R&D and formulation chemists to create innovative and effective products.
• Work with marketing teams to define product positioning, claims, and marketing strategies.
• Oversee product testing, including stability, safety, and efficacy assessments.
• Ensure all products meet regulatory requirements and company quality standards.
• Prepare product specifications, technical documentation, and marketing materials.
• Conduct competitive analysis and stay abreast of industry trends and emerging ingredients.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and other external partners.
• Present new product concepts and development updates to senior management.
• Ensure timely launch of new products according to project timelines.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Chemistry, or a related field; a relevant Master's degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in product development within the beauty, cosmetics, or personal care industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new beauty products.
• Strong understanding of formulation, ingredients, and product testing.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Creative mindset with a passion for beauty and innovation.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.
• Knowledge of global cosmetic regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and product lifecycle management (PLM) software.

• Conceptualize and develop innovative beauty and wellness products, aligning with market trends and consumer demands.
• Formulate new product ideas, conduct market research, and identify unmet needs within the beauty sector.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, and sales teams to ensure product feasibility and commercial success.
• Manage the entire product development lifecycle, including ingredient sourcing, formulation, stability testing, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop detailed product specifications and documentation.
• Work with external manufacturers and suppliers to ensure quality and timely production.
• Conduct competitive analysis and stay updated on emerging ingredients, technologies, and sustainability practices in the beauty industry.
• Present product development plans and updates to senior management.
• Ensure all products meet the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and ethical sourcing.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in beauty product development, with a strong understanding of skincare, haircare, or color cosmetics.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new beauty products.
• Excellent knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulations, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with international cosmetic regulations and compliance standards.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.
• Creative mindset with a passion for the beauty industry.