Senior NPD Technologist

Customer facing Senior NPD technologist. To ensure customer critical paths for project briefs are adhered to, launching product on time. Supporting briefs with innovative ideas and trends through market data and research. Sole responsibility for one major account.

The person profile

• Preferably educated to degree level or qualified by experience.
• Significant sector experience of bakery ingredient functionality.
• 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).
• HACCP knowledge and understanding by qualification or experience, certification can be provided.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literate in all aspects of Microsoft Office.
• Food Hygiene Qualified.
• Conversant with retailer Codes of Practice and Policies.

Key Areas of Accountabilities

• 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 pace 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 pre-production 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 adherences 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.

Key Performance Indicators

• Maintains own accounts targets and timescales.
• Launch product on time.
• Maintain product folders.
• Engaging customers through innovative concepts, themes and ideas.
• Eyes on the market and future trend opportunities.

Skills and Experience – Essential

• 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.

Skills and Experience – Desirable

• Minimum of degree level in a relevant food scientific subject or qualified by experience.

Remuneration

• Salary £50K.
• Paid sick and compassionate leave.
• Subsidised local gym membership, includes gym, pool and fitness classes.
• Free on-site parking.
• Signing bonus of £200 at weeks 13 and 26.
• Free tea and coffee.
• 28 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.