NPD Technologist

Supporting the Development Process:

• Follow the NPD development timeline, ensuring all requirements (ingredients, equipment, cost, HACCP, Recipe Professor, etc.) are met by liaising with internal and external teams.
• Manage sample requests, developing samples as needed and keeping the NPD Manager and Innovations Team updated on progress.
• Work with Supplier Assurance to ensure new raw materials meet customer codes of practice and company standards.

Documentation & Record Keeping:

• Record weights, process methods, and recipes in the Recipe Professor system, ensuring updates are made throughout the development cycle.
• Complete Feasibility Assessments with Operations, Technical, and Supply Chain teams, identifying and mitigating any risks before customer presentations.
• Document and track the Bill of Materials to ensure accuracy from development to launch.
• ‘Sent sample’ emails to be sent to relevant parties with sign off comments from NPD Manager.

Packaging & Trial Coordination:

• Assist the Packaging Developer in defining the right pack size during development.
• Coordinate with the Factory team to agree on pre-trial objectives and ensure trials are completed on schedule, in line with critical path timelines.
• Ensure post-trial reports are documented, shared with the team, and follow up on actions for a smooth product launch.

Quality & Compliance:

• Periodically evaluate shelf life for all new and existing products, working with the Technical team to complete documentation and photos for customer approval.
• Oversee Nutritional Testing and validate EPD Nutritional data, keeping the Specifications Team updated.
• Document Quality Attributes for new and existing products, ensuring they are signed off by Operations & Technical before being sent to the Customer Technologist for final approval.

Team Collaboration & Stakeholder Communication:

• Ensure Pre-Pack Launch Meetings (PPLM’s) are completed on time, covering all aspects of the product, and hand over workbooks to the Factory.
• Attend internal and customer-facing meetings, providing regular updates on product development to key stakeholders.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in a Food Science, Food Technology, or related technical subject.

Practical Experience:

• Some hands-on experience in developing food products, with a preference for experience in Snacking and/or Confectionery development.

Interpersonal & Team Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both at a technical and commercial level.
• Strong team player who understands the shared needs of the team and works collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Adaptable to changing priorities, able to remain calm and focused as project requirements shift.

IT & Recipe Management Expertise:

• Good IT skills, with previous experience using Recipe Management Systems (e.g., Recipe Professor or similar software).

Project Management & Organisation:

• Solid resource and project management skills, with the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Detail-conscious, with an innate ability to get all the small details right and ensure precision in documentation.

Work Under Pressure:

• Ability to remain effective in a fast-paced environment.