Product Designer

Location: Glenbervie, Aberdeenshire
Full Time | Permanent | Monday to Friday

Join our Team at Macphie

Let us introduce ourselves...

Macphie is an internationally acclaimed family-owned ingredient manufacturer, proudly situated in the picturesque and tranquil landscape of Glenbervie in Aberdeenshire, with additional sites in Glasgow and the Midlands. Our expertise spans a spectrum of delicious food solutions, including sauces, bakery ingredients, ice cream toppings, plant-based and gluten-free products. Trusted by some of the world's leading food brands, we're passionate about turning ideas and creativity into exceptional food solutions.

Description

Are you passionate about food innovation and excited by the opportunity to turn ideas into products that can be manufactured at scale?

We’re looking for a Product Designer to join our R&D team at our Glenbervie site. Working across both Macphie-branded and customer-specific products, you’ll play a hands-on role in developing innovative food solutions, with a particular focus on our powder and paste product categories.

Whether you’re currently working as a Product Developer, NPD Technologist, Development Technologist or Food Technologist, this could be a great opportunity to take the next step within our R&D team.

This is a varied role where you’ll be involved throughout the product development journey – from recipe formulation and testing through to factory trials, troubleshooting and supporting successful product launches.

Working closely with colleagues across R&D, Operations, Technical, Commercial, Purchasing, Planning and QC, you’ll help ensure projects are technically robust, commercially viable and delivered to agreed timescales.

What you’ll be doing:

• Developing and formulating new and existing products, with a primary focus on powder and paste categories.
• Planning and coordinating product trials and testing, including developing alternative test methodologies where appropriate.
• Creating, costing and maintaining recipes using our recipe development systems and IFS.
• Progressing product development briefs from initial concept through testing, factory trials and completion.
• Supporting new product development, product simplification and waste reduction projects that contribute to sustainable and profitable growth.
• Coordinating factory trials with Production, Operations, Purchasing, Stock Control, Planning and QC.
• Supporting production troubleshooting and investigating product, process or customer quality issues.
• Maintaining accurate records of recipes, testing, results and product information.
• Preparing specifications, technical data, production and packing methods, QC information and product standards.
• Working directly with customers and suppliers to understand requirements and progress projects.
• Supporting Commercial colleagues during key customer meetings and presentations.
• Keeping up to date with developments in ingredients, food technology, manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Analysing results, identifying opportunities and recommending appropriate next steps.

Requirements

We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with curiosity, creativity and a genuine interest in developing great food products.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Chemistry or another relevant scientific discipline.
• Demonstrable experience within Product Development and/or Research & Development in the food industry.
• Strong technical and product knowledge, with an understanding of food chemistry.
• Knowledge of functional raw materials, including relevant legislation and permitted usage levels.
• A good understanding of HACCP, food safety, quality systems and standards.
• Experience within bakery and/or FMCG would be advantageous.
• Experience of recipe formulation, product testing and taking products through development and manufacturing trials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A creative and inquisitive approach, with the confidence to explore new ideas and challenge conventional thinking.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
• A collaborative approach and ability to build effective relationships across different functions.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how technical decisions can impact cost, efficiency and overall business performance.
• Good IT skills and confidence working with systems and technical data.
• The ability to influence others and demonstrate leadership capability.
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel when required, including occasional overnight stays.

Benefits

Indulge in the Sweet Perks of Joining Macphie!

At Macphie, we believe in crafting not only delightful culinary experiences but also providing our team with a recipe for success in their professional lives. Here is a taste of how we'll look after you as part of our Sweet Success:

• Annual Leave: Recharge your batteries with a generous annual leave entitlement of 23 days, plus 9 public holidays, giving you a refreshing total of 32 days to explore, relax, and savour life outside of work.
• Profit-Related Pay (PRP): Your dedication will not go unnoticed! Enjoy conditional PRP, aligning with our company's performance and rewarding your commitment to our shared success.
• Pension Perks: Secure your financial future with our pension enrolment, where you contribute 5%, and we match it with a 3% employer contribution.
• Health and Wellness Buffet: We care about your well-being. Access our Employee Assistance Program, a 24/7 GP line, and indulge in our cycle-to-work scheme. Keep your mind and body in top shape with our Leisure Subsidy Scheme and free fruit offerings.
• Eco-Friendly Commute: Embrace sustainable living with our electric car charging stations. Enjoy the convenience of free parking while contributing to a greener planet.
• Lifelong Learning: Cultivate your mind with our company further education scheme and unlock opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Family First: We support your journey into parenthood with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay.
• Exclusive Employee Benefits: Revel in exclusive benefits like an education bursary via our employee trust and Funeral Concierge provided by Everest Funeral Concierge Service, a brand-new benefit.
• Beyond Probation: Once you have passed probation over the initial three months, you will then be able to unlock an array of group benefits, including private medical insurance & Westfield Health, permanent health insurance, and 3x death in service life assurance.

To see all of the Macphie employee benefits please click here.

And now, let us talk about what we need from you:

Like every employer, legally, we require to check and confirm that you have the right to work in the UK. If we offer you a job and you accept, there are some checks that we need to complete before you can start with us. In addition to the above, we will also collect satisfactory employment references.

Additional Information

At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

We are not seeking assistance from recruitment agencies for this position. Unsolicited CVs will not be considered.

Closing Date for Applications: Monday 31st August 2026