Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Macphie Ltd

Location: Glenbervie, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Research & Development / Food Science

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and formulation of innovative food solutions, with a core focus on powder and paste product categories.

• Drive the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial concept and recipe formulation to successful factory trials and market launch support.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Technical, Commercial, and Purchasing teams to ensure technical robustness, commercial viability, and timely project delivery.

• Play a pivotal role in new product development (NPD), product simplification, and waste reduction initiatives to foster sustainable and profitable growth.

• Contribute to troubleshooting and quality issue resolution for products, processes, and customer-related concerns, ensuring high standards are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the description clearly indicates a role focused on food product development within a manufacturing context, not a typical UI/UX product design role. The responsibilities and required skills align with a Food Technologist or NPD Specialist. The "Product Designer" title may be used to encompass the creative and innovative aspects of food formulation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and formulate new and existing food products, with a primary focus on powder and paste categories, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer needs.

• Plan, coordinate, and execute product trials and testing, including developing alternative test methodologies where appropriate to validate formulations and processes.

• Create, cost, and meticulously maintain recipes using internal recipe development systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software such as IFS, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

• Progress product development briefs from initial concept through rigorous testing, comprehensive factory trials, and final completion, ensuring all project milestones are met.

• Support new product development, product simplification, and waste reduction projects that directly contribute to the company's sustainable and profitable growth objectives.

• Coordinate factory trials effectively with Production, Operations, Purchasing, Stock Control, Planning, and Quality Control (QC) departments, ensuring seamless execution.

• Support production troubleshooting efforts and investigate product, process, or customer quality issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.

• Maintain accurate and organized records of all recipes, testing procedures, results, and essential product information for traceability and future reference.

• Prepare detailed specifications, technical data sheets, production and packing methods, QC information, and product standards to facilitate smooth manufacturing and quality assurance.

• Work directly with customers and suppliers to understand their requirements, gather feedback, and progress projects collaboratively, fostering strong external relationships.

• Support Commercial colleagues during key customer meetings and presentations, providing technical expertise and product insights to aid in client discussions and sales efforts.

• Stay continuously updated with the latest developments in ingredients, food technology, manufacturing processes, and equipment to drive innovation and efficiency.

• Analyze trial results and project data, identifying opportunities for improvement and recommending appropriate next steps to enhance product quality and process efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role requiring strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills within a food manufacturing environment. Emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and customer interaction is key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Chemistry, or another relevant scientific discipline. Experience:

• Demonstrable experience within Product Development and/or Research & Development (R&D) in the food industry.

• Experience in bakery and/or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors would be considered advantageous.

• Proven experience in recipe formulation, product testing, and successfully guiding products through development and manufacturing trials. Required Skills:

• Strong technical and product knowledge, with a solid understanding of food chemistry principles and applications.

• Proficient knowledge of functional raw materials, including relevant legislation and permitted usage levels.

• A good understanding of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), food safety protocols, quality systems, and industry standards.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively diagnose issues and propose solutions.

• Strong organizational skills with the proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling confident interaction with colleagues, customers, and suppliers.

• A collaborative approach and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across different functional departments.

• Commercial awareness and a clear understanding of how technical decisions impact cost, efficiency, and overall business performance.

• Good IT skills and confidence working with various systems and technical data management tools.

• The ability to influence stakeholders and demonstrate leadership potential. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with recipe formulation systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, such as IFS.

• Familiarity with pilot plant operations and scale-up processes.

• Knowledge of specific powder and paste processing technologies.

• Experience in customer-facing roles or presenting technical information to non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of scientific knowledge, practical R&D experience, and strong soft skills crucial for collaboration and project success in a manufacturing setting. The explicit mention of IFS suggests proficiency in ERP systems is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Product Development: Showcase 2-3 detailed examples of food products you have developed from concept to launch, highlighting your specific contributions, challenges overcome, and outcomes achieved.

• Recipe Formulation Examples: Provide anonymized examples of complex recipes you have formulated, demonstrating your understanding of ingredient interactions, costing, and scale-up considerations.

• Trial Management Documentation: Include evidence of your experience in planning and executing factory trials, potentially through a sample trial plan or a report summarizing key trial findings and troubleshooting steps.

• Process Optimization Contributions: Detail any projects where you contributed to simplifying processes, reducing waste, or improving efficiency within product development or manufacturing, quantifying the impact where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating and maintaining accurate documentation for product formulations, testing protocols, and manufacturing procedures.

• Showcase an understanding of how to document trial results, analysis, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

• Evidence of experience in documenting product specifications and technical data for internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role in food product development, a portfolio should showcase tangible achievements in formulation, testing, and scaling. Demonstrating an understanding of documentation and process rigor is critical, especially for a role involving regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level Product Designer/Food Technologist with 2-5 years of experience in the UK, particularly in Scotland, the estimated salary range is between £30,000 - £45,000 per annum. This estimate considers the company's size, the specific requirements of the role, and regional cost of living. Benefits:

• Annual Leave: Generous entitlement of 23 days plus 9 public holidays, totaling 32 days.

• Profit-Related Pay (PRP): Conditional bonus scheme tied to company performance.

• Pension Perks: Employer contributes 3% to your pension when you contribute 5%.

• Health and Wellness: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 24/7 GP line, Leisure Subsidy Scheme, free fruit.

• Cycle-to-Work Scheme: Encourages eco-friendly commuting.

• Electric Car Charging Stations & Free Parking: On-site amenities.

• Lifelong Learning: Company further education scheme.

• Family Support: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay.

• Exclusive Benefits: Education bursary via employee trust, Funeral Concierge Service.

• Post-Probation Benefits: Private medical insurance (via Westfield Health), permanent health insurance, and 3x death in service life assurance.

Working Hours:

• Full Time, Permanent.

• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, likely around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, totaling approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical UK compensation for this role type and experience level. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications and the company's internal salary structure. The benefits package is extensive and highly attractive, emphasizing employee well-being and long-term security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Manufacturing. Macphie Ltd is a well-established, family-owned ingredient manufacturer specializing in sauces, bakery ingredients, ice cream toppings, and plant-based/gluten-free products. They serve major food brands, indicating a focus on quality, consistency, and innovation.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (typically 250+ employees, based on having multiple sites and significant operations). This size suggests established processes and opportunities for cross-functional interaction.

Founded: Macphie Ltd is a family-owned business, implying a culture that may balance long-term vision with a strong sense of heritage and employee loyalty. Specific founding date not provided, but the "family-owned" aspect is a key cultural indicator.

Team Structure:

• R&D Team: The Product Designer will join the R&D team at the Glenbervie site, likely working closely with other food technologists, scientists, and potentially lab technicians.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands significant interaction with Operations, Technical, Commercial, Purchasing, Planning, and Quality Control (QC) departments. This indicates a matrixed or highly collaborative operational structure.

• Reporting: The role likely reports to an R&D Manager or Head of Product Development, with direct lines of communication to project stakeholders across various departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Development: The emphasis on analyzing results, maintaining accurate records, and using recipe development systems points to a data-driven approach to product formulation and testing.

• Process Optimization: The focus on NPD, simplification, and waste reduction highlights a commitment to continuous improvement and efficient manufacturing processes.

• Customer-Centric Innovation: Working directly with customers and supporting commercial teams indicates that innovation is driven by market needs and customer collaboration.

Company Website: https://www.macphie.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long-standing presence and family ownership suggest a stable environment with potential for long-term career development. The cross-functional collaboration is a critical aspect for operations professionals, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer. It requires a foundational degree in a relevant scientific field and 2-5 years of demonstrable experience in food R&D. The responsibilities involve taking ownership of product development projects from concept to completion, including customer interaction and supporting commercial activities.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to an R&D Manager or Head of Product Development. They will collaborate closely with peers in R&D and functional leads in Operations, Technical, Commercial, Purchasing, Planning, and QC. This structure allows for significant exposure to various business functions.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts revenue and business decisions through the development of new, commercially viable products. Successful product launches can drive sales growth, enhance brand reputation, and contribute to market share. Furthermore, contributions to product simplification and waste reduction directly affect operational efficiency and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product categories (e.g., powders, pastes, plant-based) or processing technologies.

• Senior R&D Roles: Advance to Senior Product Designer, NPD Manager, or Head of R&D positions, managing larger projects, teams, and strategic initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into roles within Technical Services, Operations Management, or Commercial Development, leveraging a strong understanding of product and process.

• Leadership Development: The "ability to influence others and demonstrate leadership capability" suggests pathways into team leadership and project management roles, potentially through further training and demonstrated success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within R&D or related operational functions. The emphasis on influencing and leadership suggests that individuals who excel in this role can progress into management positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Glenbervie site, which is described as picturesque and tranquil. This suggests a blend of office-based work for formulation, documentation, and meetings, alongside significant time spent in laboratory and pilot plant settings for hands-on product development and testing.

Office Location(s): Glenbervie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom. This is a rural location, requiring a degree of flexibility for travel.

Workspace Context:

• Laboratory & Pilot Plant: Access to well-equipped laboratory facilities for formulation, testing, and analysis, as well as pilot plant areas for scaling up processes.

• Collaborative Spaces: Opportunities for interaction with R&D colleagues and regular meetings with cross-functional teams (Operations, Technical, Commercial, etc.) in designated meeting rooms or shared workspaces.

• Systems & Technology: Utilization of recipe development systems, IFS (ERP), and potentially other technical data management software.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, permanent position.

• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, totaling approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required for factory trials or urgent troubleshooting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment combines theoretical and practical aspects, requiring adaptability between office, lab, and production floor settings. The rural location means that commuting and potential travel are important considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on relevant food R&D experience, qualifications, and alignment with core responsibilities.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with R&D leadership to assess technical knowledge in food science, formulation, HACCP, and troubleshooting. May include scenario-based questions related to product development challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present selected case studies from their portfolio, demonstrating their approach to product development, problem-solving, and impact. This is a critical stage for evaluating practical experience and communication skills.

• Cross-functional Panel Interview: Meeting with representatives from Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to assess collaboration skills, commercial awareness, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of R&D or Operations Director) to discuss career aspirations, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narratives: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your proposed solution, the steps taken, the challenges encountered, the results achieved (quantify where possible), and key learnings.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and responsibilities within team projects.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the food chemistry, ingredient interactions, and processing considerations relevant to your examples.

• Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: Explain how your product development decisions impacted cost, efficiency, or market appeal.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, alternative approaches, and how you handle setbacks.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Product Development Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing a new product based on a given brief, considering ingredients, processes, costing, and regulatory constraints.

• Troubleshooting Exercise: You might be presented with a hypothetical quality issue during a factory trial and asked to outline your diagnostic and resolution steps.

• Process Improvement Discussion: Prepare to talk about how you would identify opportunities for process simplification or waste reduction within a food manufacturing context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess technical competence, practical application, collaborative ability, and commercial understanding. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating these skills effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Recipe Development Systems: Software for creating, costing, and managing food recipes. Candidates should be familiar with the principles, if not specific Macphie systems.

• IFS (ERP System): Enterprise Resource Planning software for managing various business processes, including manufacturing, supply chain, and product data. Experience with IFS or similar ERPs (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is highly advantageous.

• Laboratory Equipment: Standard food science laboratory equipment for analysis, testing, and formulation (e.g., pH meters, viscometers, ovens, mixers, analytical instruments).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel): Essential for data analysis, costing, trial result tabulation, and report generation. Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, charting) are expected.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with basic statistical analysis for trial data interpretation is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this R&D role, understanding how product development data integrates with CRM systems for customer feedback and commercial insights is useful.

• Familiarity with workflow or project management tools that facilitate cross-functional project tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with recipe management software and ERP systems like IFS is a significant advantage. Strong analytical skills using tools like Excel are fundamental for data interpretation and reporting in product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas and challenging conventional thinking to develop novel food solutions.

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to high standards in product formulation, testing, and manufacturing to deliver exceptional food ingredients.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where colleagues work together across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Sustainability: Driving process improvements, waste reduction, and sustainable practices in all aspects of product development and manufacturing.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and responding to customer needs to deliver tailored and valuable food solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive and integrated approach to working with Operations, Technical, Commercial, Purchasing, and QC teams to ensure seamless project progression.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and honest communication, feedback exchange, and constructive dialogue to resolve issues and optimize processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports sharing best practices, technical insights, and learnings across teams to foster collective growth and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Macphie's culture appears to value innovation, quality, and teamwork, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration essential for successful product development in a manufacturing setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Developing novel products that are not only creative but also technically feasible, cost-effective, and manufacturable at scale within existing capabilities.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Effectively prioritizing and managing a diverse pipeline of product development projects with varying timelines and complexities.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and seamless execution across multiple departments, each with potentially different priorities and perspectives.

• Troubleshooting Complex Issues: Diagnosing and resolving unexpected problems that may arise during formulation, testing, or factory trials, often under time pressure.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously monitoring market trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements in the food industry to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of food science, processing, or product categories through internal training and external courses.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Gaining exposure to or formal training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process optimization techniques relevant to R&D and manufacturing.

• Commercial & Customer Interaction Skills: Developing stronger abilities in client communication, presentation, and understanding market dynamics through direct involvement in customer projects.

• Leadership Skills: Opportunities to lead project teams, mentor junior colleagues, and develop strategic thinking through increasing responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex product development challenges and grow through continuous learning in a dynamic industry. The company's commitment to further education supports professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully developed a new food product from concept to launch. What were the key stages, challenges, and your specific contributions?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and outcomes).

• "How do you approach costing and ensuring the commercial viability of a new food product during the development phase?" (Demonstrate commercial awareness).

• "Imagine a factory trial for a new powder product is failing due to inconsistent texture. How would you troubleshoot this issue?" (Assess analytical and problem-solving skills).

• "How do you stay current with food industry trends, new ingredients, and processing technologies?" (Show commitment to continuous learning). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Macphie Ltd and this specific Product Designer role?" (Research company values, products, and recent news).

• "Describe your experience working collaboratively with Operations, Technical, or Commercial teams. What are the keys to successful cross-functional partnerships?" (Highlight teamwork and communication).

• "How do you ensure the quality and safety of food products you develop, considering regulations and standards like HACCP?" (Show understanding of quality systems). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Examples: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in formulation, problem-solving, and successful product launches, ideally relevant to powder/paste categories.

• Tell a Story: Structure each presentation with a clear beginning (the brief/problem), middle (your approach, challenges, solutions), and end (the outcome, impact, learnings).

• Quantify Achievements: Use data wherever possible (e.g., % cost reduction, % yield improvement, sales impact).

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep-Dives: Anticipate questions about ingredient functionality, processing parameters, and analytical methods.

• Showcase Collaboration: Mention how you worked with other departments and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of technical expertise, practical experience, commercial understanding, and strong collaborative abilities. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight specific experience in food product development, recipe formulation, factory trials, HACCP, and any experience with IFS or similar ERP systems. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your passion for food innovation, your relevant qualifications, and why you are a strong fit for Macphie Ltd, referencing specific aspects of the company and role.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your product development journey, ensuring they demonstrate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and commercial awareness. Practice presenting them concisely and effectively.

• Research Macphie Ltd: Familiarize yourself with their product range, company values, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit. Understand their focus on powder and paste categories.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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