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.

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Food Science, Food Technology, or related technical subject. (Or equivalent experience) 
• Practical experience in developing food products, ideally in snacking or confectionery.
• Excellent communication skills at technical and commercial levels.
• Strong team player, adaptable to changing priorities.
• Good IT skills and experience with recipe management systems.
• Solid project management and organisational skills.
• Detail-conscious and able to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Pension (4% Employer Contributions)
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 basic salary. 
• Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), along with access to Paycare Perks for exclusive high street and retailer discounts. 
• Holiday Purchase Salary Sacrifice Scheme – buy up to one extra week per year (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
• Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
• Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme  (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
• Family friendly policies including Maternity and Paternity leave above the statutory minimum
• Annual engagement calendar covering an array of activities and educational events promoting diversity and inclusion
• Participate in supporting your local community with opportunities to spend one day per year volunteering or fundraising and gain company-matched sponsorship.
• Company Wellbeing agenda including annual Wellbeing Week, Menopause Support Group and Mental Health First Aid programme
• Access to staff shops with exclusive discounts
• Monthly employee recognition scheme via the ‘Zertus Values Awards’
• Recruitment Refer a Friend rewards
• Training and Development Opportunities (Leadership courses, External qualifications, Professional memberships) 
• Engagement with GroceryAid

Please apply on the Humdinger career portal and answer all applicable questions.

Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview and/or tour by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.