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As we prepare for out next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for a Food Product Developer - Grocery to join our Food Team based in Park Royal.

The Role:

To support the development and introduce new and /or upgraded concepts into the business, driving these concepts through stage-gate development process, ensuring that Wasabi quality standards are upheld, whilst maximising profitability.

The Wasabi Product Developer will support all our food launches, working alongside the NPD Grocery Manager and linking with the central production kitchen and our head office.

You’ll be working with different departments to drive the quality of the Wasabi brand forward, ensuring product safety, integrity, and legality. You’ll play a key part in launches from concept to delivery, planning and organising resources for trials, documenting data to establish process capabilities, supporting due diligence and ensuring products are suitable for full scale production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop new and innovative products for in-house manufacture in line with product briefs issued by Head of Food, NPD Manager or Marketing team.
• To produce delicious food to meet the consumers’ needs and Wasabi Standards in an efficient, safe & clean environment.
• Work hands-on in the test kitchen developing new products for approval.
• Brief and work with 3rd party suppliers and the CPU to develop products in line with project briefs. Attend scale-up production trials where necessary to ensure product consistency prior to launch.
• Source new raw materials or packaging to meet our sustainability, clean label requirements and where required, working closely with the Procurement team.
• Working closely with technical and production to sign off raw material specifications in line with Wasabi standards.
• Working with Quality and NPD managers in creating quality attribute and Product Passports for grocery lines
• Upgrade existing recipes and troubleshoot product issues based on customer complaints, production inconsistencies, raw material / supplier problems or nutritional targets.
• Originate basic costings on all product developments / product changes and ensure sign-off by relevant signatories to margin expectations.
• Conduct organoleptic shelf life on all new developments to ensure product quality is maintained throughout life.
• Work closely with NPD Manager to create theoretical nutritional information for all developments and ensure all products meet Wasabi nutritional / allergen guidelines.
• Attend Factory / Preproduction trials and Launches of all new products ensuring correct translation of product concept into CPU and Retail
• Support brainstorming session with teams and suppliers to generate new concept ideas.
• Carry out benchmarking on products as and when required to support new recipe developments and continuous improvement.
• Attend training courses as and when required.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of food trends, competitors, and general retail markets.
• Support organisation of food trawls and attend food shows.
• Support organization and planning of product/food demos.
• Conduct regular benchmarking sessions by sub-category.

Our Requirements:

• A passion for great tasting food, knowledge of South Asian / Japanese and Korean food is advantageous but not essential.
• Demonstrates an excellent knowledge of food, ingredients, and culinary practices.
• Highly creative and passionate about food with knowledge of food trends and good industry awareness
• Previous experience working as a Product Developer within the food manufacturing industry.
• Qualified degree in a food related discipline – food science, technology, home economics is preferred.
• A proactive personality, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• A methodical approach, organised with good prioritisation skills, the ability to work to short deadlines and attention to detail.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Can work on multiple projects simultaneously with ease.

In return we provide:

• A great working environment
• Pension scheme
• Target Bonus
• Refer A Friend Scheme
• Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
• 50% discount in our Branches
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Hybrid working model
• Long Service Awards
• Life Assurance
• Free on-site parking
• A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and
• The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.