NPD Technologist- 12 month contract

NPD TECHNOLOGIST- 12 MONTH CONTRACT BASED DEVON COMPANY Our client is a market leading Food Manufacturer producing an extensive range of branded and own label chilled products. They supply nearly all of the UK’s major supermarkets as well as leading foodservice, convenience and wholesale businesses. ROLE Overview Our client is looking for a New Product Development Technologist to join their dynamic team. Reporting to the Head of NPD, the NPD Technologist role is key in supporting a successful Innovation team who are key to delivering ambitious development plans within the business. The team collaborates closely with the Commercial & Marketing, Technical, & Operations teams to ensure NPD projects are aligned with business strategy, and that trials and launches are managed effectively, and this role will be a key part in supporting these cross functional relationships. Responsibilities * Support the NPD team across a range of projects, including developing bench top samples, conducting feasibility investigations, and monitoring trial product quality during factory trials. * Collaborate with the Head of Development to manage projects from development to launch, ensuring product quality and compliance with standards. * Handle administrative tasks such as managing purchase orders, tracking consumables and ingredients, and coordinating sample deliveries and external testing. * Monitor competitive products in the UK market and participate in benchmarking activities. * Stay updated on UK legislation regarding nutrition, labelling, and ingredient use to ensure compliance. CANDIDATE * Degree or equivalent in Food Science / Food Technology / Nutrition * Previous experience of an NPD role within a chilled food business (ideally 6-12m, but graduates looking for their first role will also be considered) * ICT skills to include Microsoft Office packages particularly Excel (essential), Powerpoint (essential) * Strong communication skills (written and verbal) including being comfortable when communicating to internal & external audiences * Strong numeracy skills – GCSE (or equivalent) Maths * Co-ordination, planning & organisational skills * Curious & passionate about food Benefits: * Canteen * Company pension- 4% employee 8% company * Cycle to work scheme * Discounted or free food * Free parking * Gym membership * Health & wellbeing programme * On-site parking Monday- Friday 8:30am- 5pm, 5 days a week on site Salary up to £34K depending on experience *Applicants must have the full right to work in the UK