Development Manager
We bring out the best in each other
Salary: Competitive
Benefits: Life Assurance (2.5 x salary), Annual Bonus Scheme and Stakeholder Pension Scheme
Location: Cumberland, London
Ways of Working: Hybrid
Hours of work: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm
Contract Type - Fixed Term Contract (3 months rolling)
Why join us?
We're a family and that's what families do. We champion each other, support each other and help each other to grow and improve. A place of safety, stability and belonging, we put a protective arm around everyone and, when we see talent or potential, we give it a leg up. Finding ways for everyone, whatever their circumstances or background, to develop, progress and become the best they can be.
About the role
In this dynamic and fast-paced role, you will spearhead the creation, management, and successful delivery of the Development Plan, leveraging strong teamwork and sharp commercial insight to drive impactful results.
Role Accountabilities

• Builds strong internal relationships to support development processes.
• Leads team to deliver high-standard projects via critical path management.
• Understands retailer needs and brand standards; maintains customer relationships.
• Applies category management principles effectively.
• Presents products confidently; shows culinary expertise.
• Tracks food trends, generates ideas, and prioritises effectively.
• Understands site and Group capabilities.
• Manages development to meet customer and business expectations.
• Benchmarks market ranges and escalates quality issues.
• Ensures clear, accurate product info on pipeline documents.
• Detail-oriented, fast-paced, creative, resilient, aligned to BV values.

About You
You're passionate about food, highly creative, and a clear communicator who can inspire and influence in a fast-paced, agile environment.
As an effective people manager, you have experience leading teams to deliver results.
Ideally, you bring hands-on experience in chilled food development, strong PC, organizational, and project management skills, along with a solid understanding of category management and own-brand development.
If you're ready to shape the future of food innovation and make a real impact, this is the role for you.
What you'll receive
As an equal opportunity employer, we're committed to providing a safe and rewarding environment for you to thrive in. This is why we work hard to deliver benefits, rewards and wellbeing offerings that are important to you.
You'll enjoy:

• Life Assurance (2.5 x salary)
• Private medical insurance
• Annual Bonus Scheme
• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays as standard (may vary by role)
• Staff Shop
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Discount & cashback platform
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Free health check
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A range of voluntary benefits (holiday purchase scheme, additional life assurance, dental & hospital cash plans)
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme
• Free independent mortgage advice
• Discounted tutoring for children
• Access to financial learning tools and affordable loans via your salary
• Free car parking - Site dependant

Plus, a commitment to your wellbeing that includes emotional, physical and financial support services delivered by our fantastic team of wellbeing champions.
Proud to be Bakkavor
We're proud to be the market leader in the UK fresh prepared food industry. We're proud to supply meals, salads, desserts, pizza and bread to leading grocery retailers including Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury's and Waitrose. We're driven by the hard work and passion of our people and are delighted to offer a wide range of careers across our business - come and join our dedicated Bakkavor team!
At Bakkavor, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, and we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and ensure fair, transparent recruitment practices. Learn more about our commitment in our Inclusion and Diversity Policy ( Inclusion & Diversity Policy ).
Find out more and apply.
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