Senior NPD Technologist in Bala

The Cake Crew are the UK's largest independent manufacturer of cupcakes. Located in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park in Bala, North Wales, this family-owned business is going from strength to strength and as such we are expanding our Product Development Team with the requirement for a Senior NPD Technologist. This is a customer-facing role and its purpose is to ensure customer critical paths for project briefs are adhered to, launch products on time and support briefs with innovative ideas and trends through market data and research. This post will have sole responsibility for one major account.

The ideal person will be preferably educated to degree level or qualified by experience. Have significant sector experience of bakery ingredient functionality. Have understanding of the science behind the recipe formulation and insights to ensure smooth concept to launch process (must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding). Have HACCP knowledge and understanding by qualification or experience (certification can be provided). You will possess good written and verbal communication skills and be computer literate in all aspects of Microsoft Office, be food hygiene qualified and be conversant with retailer Codes of Practice and Policies.

Key areas of responsibility:

• To manage customers accounts with NPD and EPD projects from concept to launch;
• Direct contact with Key retailers, face to face and written communication.
• Create and develop innovative designs, capturing new key trends designs for both NPD and EPD projects.
• Work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment ensuring that all key milestones are met.
• Champion recipe creation and all documentation throughout concept to launch process including recipes, submission forms, QAS/ CQMs, launch folders, factory paperwork.
• Undertake all tasks associated with product launch organoleptic testing, micro review.
• Responsible for sourcing new ingredients, fit for purpose for the design, customer and site requirements and costs.
• Attend all customer submission meetings.
• Responsible for sending out kitchen samples and to meet the required delivery deadlines.
• Work closely with process technologist to organise trials, ensure all trial raw materials are ordered in advance.
• Support production and the process technologist throughout the trial stage.
• Organise preproduction launch meetings & oversee first product launches.
• Support teams workload to 'get the job done'.
• Work closely with relevant specification writer to ensure alignment with project updates.
• Attend any onsite meetings as required.
• Support with innovation days.
• Attend quality panels when required and or Competitor benchmarking sessions.
• Be the link between the customer needs and requirements and the process technologist's adherence to the factory processes.
• Responsible for sending out photography samples, public relation samples.
• Support with projects for the benefit of the business and department as directed by the Head of NPD.
• To comply with and assist with implementation of company food safety, quality, and legality policies as they relate to the role.

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience working within a Senior Technologist role in the food industry essential, ideally within bakery.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and numerate approach to provide data on time in the right format.
• Confident, articulate and courteous communicator over the phone, face-to-face and in writing.
• Experience within the Innovation and Creativity field.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organisation and coordinating skills with the ability to perform well under pressure.
• Competent on Microsoft Office.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Problem Solving.

Desirable: degree level in a relevant food scientific subject or qualified by experience.

To apply please forward your CV to or visit www.thecakecrew.co.uk.