Food Development Specialist

About the role

Read all the information about this opportunity carefully, then use the application button below to send your CV and application.
We'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 doing
Own the end-to-end product development process from concept to launch
Create and deliver seasonal and insight-led product ranges
Champion food quality, taste, texture and nutritional integrity
Use data, customer feedback and performance insights to shape decisions
Balance commercial targets (cost, margin) with product excellence
Develop and refine recipes with a strong understanding of ingredients and functionality
Lead tastings, benchmarking, and continuous product improvements
Manage multiple projects and critical paths to ensure timely delivery
Collaborate cross-functionally with brand, commercial, supply chain and technical teams
Work closely with suppliers and support factory trials to ensure scalability
What we're looking for
Experience in food product development, ideally within frozen or ready meals
Strong understanding of food quality, flavour, ingredients and nutrition
Commercial awareness with the ability to balance cost, margin and customer value
Ability to turn data and insight into actionable product decisions
Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple workstreams
Knowledge of food safety and quality standards (HACCP, BRC)
Confident communicator who can influence stakeholders and partners
Qualifications
Degree (or equivalent experience) in Food Science, Nutrition, Food Technology or Culinary Arts
HACCP / Food Safety certifications (desirable)
Experience with specialist diets (e.g. texture-modified foods) is a plus
Why 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 everything
Work on products that have a real impact on people's lives
Join a collaborative, supportive team with strong values
Opportunities for career development and progression
A culture built on Ownership, Simplicity and Determination
Ready to apply? xwzovoh
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!