At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative food products from concept to launch, working with chefs and suppliers.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturer specialising in high-quality continental products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a creative work environment and gain valuable experience in product development.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and create products you can be proud of.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; 1-2 years in NPD or strong placement year.
- Other info: Perfect for food lovers eager to shape the future of chilled continental foods.
The predicted salary is between 22400 - 33600 £ per year.
Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: £28,000
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm)
Are you a recent Food Science or Nutrition graduate with a passion for product development? Or someone with a couple of years’ experience in food NPD looking for your next challenge?
We’re looking for a creative and enthusiastic NPD Technologist to join a leading food manufacturer specialising in high-quality continental products — think olives, antipasti, charcuterie, dips, cheeses, and ready-to-eat Mediterranean-style favourites.
This is a brilliant opportunity to work closely with chefs, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to bring exciting new products to market, from concept through to launch.
Key Responsibilities:- Develop and deliver innovative new food products across the continental portfolio
- Conduct product trials, support scale-up and first production runs
- Liaise with chefs, suppliers, and commercial teams to ensure product quality and authenticity
- Monitor trends and benchmark competitor products
- Maintain technical documentation including specifications and trial records
- Ensure all products meet food safety and quality standards (e.g. BRC, HACCP)
- Support continuous improvement and value engineering projects
- A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or related subject
- 1–2 years in an NPD or technical role in food manufacturing (or a strong placement year)
- A genuine love for food — especially continental-style cuisine
- Strong communication and project management skills
- Confident working in both kitchen and factory environments
- Organised, detail-focused, and driven by innovation
- Join a passionate, growing NPD team in a business that values creativity
- Gain end-to-end experience from concept to launch
- Work on products you can truly be proud of
- Excellent opportunity to build a career in a forward-thinking food manufacturer
If you're foodie, factory-savvy, and excited by flavour — this could be your perfect role.
Apply now and start shaping the future of chilled continental foods.
New Product Development Technologist employer: Alaska Black
Contact Detail:
Alaska Black Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food product development, especially in the continental cuisine sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, particularly those involved in NPD. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering or interning in food production environments. This practical exposure will enhance your understanding of the processes involved and make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work or projects related to food development. Highlight your creativity and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial for the NPD Technologist role.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food science or nutrition, especially any roles related to new product development. Emphasise your skills in project management and communication, as these are key for the NPD Technologist role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and product development. Mention specific examples of your experience in NPD or related projects, and explain why you are excited about working with continental-style cuisine.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your technical skills, such as knowledge of food safety standards (BRC, HACCP) and experience with product trials. This will demonstrate your readiness for the responsibilities of the role.
Show Enthusiasm for the Brand: Research the company and its products. In your application, express your enthusiasm for their offerings and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering high-quality continental foods. This personal touch can make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alaska Black
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your genuine love for food, especially continental-style cuisine. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for product development in the food industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety standards like BRC and HACCP. Highlight any relevant coursework or experience that showcases your technical skills in food science or technology.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would approach product trials and scale-up processes. Think through examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed similar tasks and be ready to share those stories.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with chefs, suppliers, and commercial teams, emphasise your strong communication and project management skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with diverse teams in previous roles or projects.