Food Product Developer – Grocery
Job Type : Permanent, Full Time
Salary :
Founded in 2003 by Dong Hyun Kim, his mission was simple, to make fresh and flavorsome sushi and bento available to everyone. Almost 20 years later Wasabi have 44 successful branches across London, other UK major cities and New York.
The journey continued in 2019 with the launch of Wasabi Home Bento exclusively into Sainsburys. After several years of great success there, the grocery business expanded launching into Tesco in September 2022. Wasabi has now firmly established itself as the No2 chilled ready meal brand and a driver of significant market growth. And we’re just getting started. The leadership team have set out their 5 year strategy which encompasses company growth, franchise and international expansion.
Our menu is renowned for its distinctiveness, freshness and flavour. The cold food range of sushi, pokes and salads are made fresh daily in our branch kitchens and our hot bento, noodle bowls and soups offer an indulgent and comforting alternative to our broad and democratic demographic.
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.
Our people make us who we are. If you're looking for an exciting challenge and this sounds like the job for you please apply today as we can't wait to hear from you.
COME ROLL WITH US
More Information
- Address Park Royal
