Development Technologist
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FULL DESCRIPTION
Development Technologist
[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is looking for a Development Technologist to join the NPD team. Based in Dudley/Wednesbury, this permanent role offers a competitive salary and benefits.
About the Role
[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is one of the UK's leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to major supermarkets and restaurants. As a New Product Development Technologist, you will support the NPD Development Product Manager in developing and delivering NPD initiatives. You will work closely with cross functional teams including Technical, Operations, Commercial, Planning & Procurement. The role is predominantly office based but requires factory visits (refrigerated, noisy environment). Working hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00. Weekly travel to suppliers, customers, and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] manufacturing sites is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Category and Market knowledge - research markets and technologies for new product concepts
- Organise internal and external benchmarking sessions
- Manage & develop product concepts with suppliers against customer requirements
- Prepare product costings to ensure profitable launches
- Update internal NPD system for all potential & new launches
- Support customer presentations with required documentation
- Manage NPD meetings with cross functional teams
- Ensure development activity complies with NPD procedures
- Organise and execute production trials, shelf-life assessments, organoleptic testing, cooking instruction verification, and nutritional sample analysis
- Occasional weekend working for organoleptic assessments
- Liaise with Operations and Technical teams to plan product launch
- Manage launches to ensure compliance with specification and quality parameters
What We Are Looking For
- Experience in developing and launching new products with retail/food service customers
- Experience in product development within an FMCG environment
- Managing critical paths and coordinating internal departments
- Knowledge of functional characteristics of food ingredients
- Thorough understanding of product development process from concept to launch
- Ability to work under own initiative
- Computer literate
- Methodical approach with excellent attention to detail
- Full UK Driving License
Desirable
- Recognised qualification in Food Sciences or related subject
- Experience in product development in a Meat/Poultry environment
- Knowledge of food labelling and ingredient regulatory requirements
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- 31 Days Holiday
- 6% Pension
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Various lifestyle benefits including wellbeing resources