Product Development & Sourcing Specialist
Our client, one of Ireland’s leading retail and wholesale businesses, is seeking an ambitious and detail-oriented Product Development & Sourcing Specialist to join their growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of own-brand food and non-food products, supporting product innovation, sourcing, quality, and commercial objectives within a fast-paced retail environment. Cork Based.
Package
- Generous salary doe
- Hybrid working
- Pension scheme
- Career development opportunities
- Employee benefits package
Responsibilities of this Product Development & Sourcing Specialist include:
- Manage supplier communications, product specifications, sample submissions, approvals, and ongoing project updates.
- Ensure own-brand products consistently meet quality, packaging, legal, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate product development and sourcing projects, ensuring timelines and key milestones are achieved.
- Conduct market, consumer, and competitor research to identify trends, innovation opportunities, and range improvements.
- Organise, prepare, and facilitate product tasting and sampling sessions, gathering feedback and recommendations.
- Review product submissions and support the selection of products that meet commercial, quality, and customer expectations.
- Maintain accurate product specifications, reports, and documentation across internal systems.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, sourcing partners, and cross-functional teams.
- Support product re-engineering, range optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with the development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions.
- Contribute to cost optimisation projects while maintaining product quality and customer value.
Requirements of this Product Development & Sourcing Specialist include:
- Degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related discipline.
- 2+ years’ experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, product development, quality, or technical roles.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Experience with retailer specification systems and product specifications.
- Knowledge of food legislation and labelling requirements.
- Experience in product sampling and supplier management.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and analytical ability.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
Aoife Clarke is handling the recruitment for this role in complete confidentiality. Please upload your CV below and she will be in touch should you have the correct experience for the position. For more jobs like this, please visit the Excel Recruitment website. Unfortunately, due to volume only suitable applicants can be contacted.
#AISAOI
Product Development Manager
Excel Recruitment has a wonderful opportunity for a Product Development Manager to join our market leading food client’s business. You will work across the fresh categories and support product development and the launch of products for their own brands. Cork based employer with remote working offered. This is an 18-month contract role.
Package
- Salary €65-75K doe
- Bonus
- Pension
- Illness Benefit
- Remote working
Responsibilities of this job include:
- Managing the development process of own brand products across retail and wholesale brands.
- Managing, leading, and developing a team of product developers and technologists to deliver the business strategy.
- Developing the annual product development plan in conjunction with the development and trading teams.
- Supporting your team in sourcing, developing, and launching the plan in line with the stage gate development process and category strategies.
- Ensuring all products are launched in line with relevant legislation and policies and have fully product and packaging specifications in place for launch.
- This role is the own brand lead for packaging and sustainability, working cross functionally with the Food Leadership Team, Head of Sustainability and industry experts ensuring sufficient direction and guidance in place to deliver the OB elements for the sustainability strategy.
- Responsible for leading, implementing and continually developing ways of working in OB to ensure they are embedded in the business, working closely with Ambient Development Manager.
Requirements for this job include:
- Must have at least 3 years of experience in a development or technical role.
- Will have a love of food and deep knowledge and interest in food trends.
- Must have knowledge of the Irish/UK grocery market.
- Must be aware of relevant food/packaging legislations.
- Great project and time management skills.
- Ideally experience in people management.
Aoife McCaul is handling the recruitment for this role in complete confidentiality. Please upload your CV below and she will be in touch should you have the correct experience for the position. For more jobs like this, please visit the Excel Recruitment website or call Aoife McCaul 01 871 7613 for more information. Unfortunately, due to volume only suitable applicants can be contacted.
#INDSPEC1
Product Development Manager
Excel Recruitment has a wonderful opportunity for a Product Development Manager to join our market leading food client’s business. You will work across the fresh categories and support product development and the launch of products for their own brands. Cork based employer with remote working offered. This is an 18-month contract role.
Package
- Salary €65-75K doe
- Bonus
- Pension
- Illness Benefit
- Remote working
Responsibilities of this job include:
- Managing the development process of own brand products across retail and wholesale brands.
- Managing, leading, and developing a team of product developers and technologists to deliver the business strategy.
- Developing the annual product development plan in conjunction with the development and trading teams.
- Supporting your team in sourcing, developing, and launching the plan in line with the stage gate development process and category strategies.
- Ensuring all products are launched in line with relevant legislation and policies and have fully product and packaging specifications in place for launch.
- This role is the own brand lead for packaging and sustainability, working cross functionally with the Food Leadership Team, Head of Sustainability and industry experts ensuring sufficient direction and guidance in place to deliver the OB elements for the sustainability strategy.
- Responsible for leading, implementing and continually developing ways of working in OB to ensure they are embedded in the business, working closely with Ambient Development Manager.
Requirements for this job include:
- Must have at least 3 years of experience in a development or technical role.
- Will have a love of food and deep knowledge and interest in food trends.
- Must have knowledge of the Irish/UK grocery market.
- Must be aware of relevant food/packaging legislations.
- Great project and time management skills.
- Ideally experience in people management.
Aoife McCaul is handling the recruitment for this role in complete confidentiality. Please upload your CV below and she will be in touch should you have the correct experience for the position. For more jobs like this, please visit the Excel Recruitment website or call Aoife McCaul 01 871 7613 for more information. Unfortunately, due to volume only suitable applicants can be contacted.
#INDSPEC1
