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- Tasks: Join our R&D team to develop and launch innovative bread products.
- Company: Frank Roberts & Sons is a leading bakery committed to growth and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that shape the future of food and connect with consumers.
- Qualifications: Food science degree and 2+ years in product development, especially in bread and biscuits.
- Other info: Some travel may be required to our Ilkeston site for project support.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Frank Roberts & Sons business to support us in delivering our growth plans. You will support the bread Research & Development (R&D) team by being a creative and detail-oriented individual. You will be responsible for developing and reformulating products from concept to launch, ensuring they meet consumer expectations, internal QMS and ensuring commercial viability. This role requires strong technical knowledge of ingredients, food processes and sensory evaluation, as well as the ability to work cross-functionally with marketing, procurement, quality and production teams.
What you will contribute:
- Maintain the NPD and documentation for both brand and non-brand.
- Lead some and support all Bread projects.
- Support the team – be a true foody – aware of trends from insight and competitors and be commercially aware around influences in market beyond just the bakery category.
- Carry out concept development for both EPD and true NPD projects – support the longer-term innovation pipeline programme under guidance from the Senior NPD Technologist/NPD Manager.
- Nurture strong customer relationships understanding the end user/consumer to ensure pro-active NPD/EPD programmes to deliver the Channel & Customer Strategy – visit customers as required.
- Work closely with the costing process to ensure new products meet both customer and internal targets.
- Work alongside strategic suppliers' resources to support NPD projects and act as specialist knowledge resource to support the team.
- Support where required the NPD projects for the Ilkeston site and work closely with the local team to achieve Project deliverables (this may involve some travel to Ilkeston).
- Follow the Product Development procedure and remain compliant with both BRC and Customer specific policies at all times – work closely with Technical colleagues around allergens/HACCP.
- Provide troubleshooting support to the Operations including assistance with harvest transition, cost engineering projects.
What you will bring:
- Food science Degree or equivalent in technical discipline.
- Development Technologist experience > 2 years.
- Good level of technical expertise in food processes – essential bread and biscuits industry experience, good understanding of manufacturing processes & confidence when working on plant and equipment.
- Good level of knowledge of the product development cycle, including all aspects of QMS internal procedure and experience of Top 4 retailer NPD systems/processes.
- Awareness of Food Labelling, Product Specifications, Nutritional information, Raw material specifications and packaging.
- Project Management skills across multi-disciplinary teams including Risk analysis/mitigation, ability to coordinate to achieve critical path deadlines competently.
- Awareness of external developments in Food Science, Technology, Sensory Science, Legislation related to food/materials.
- Collaborative work style, team player and good attention to detail. Completer finisher ensuring all elements of a project are completed.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Flexible and agile in approach.
- A willingness to lead with the ability to influence peers and at level above.
Competitive Salary in line with experience & benefits package.
NPD Development Technologist - 6-month fixed term contract employer: Frank Roberts & Sons Ltd
Contact Detail:
Frank Roberts & Sons Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Development Technologist - 6-month fixed term contract
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the bread and bakery industry. Being able to discuss current market influences and consumer preferences during your interview will show that you're not just a candidate, but a passionate food enthusiast who understands the business.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food science and product development sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals to opportunities at Frank Roberts & Sons.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your technical knowledge of food processes, especially in bread production. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully developed or reformulated products, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your project management skills by preparing examples of how you've coordinated multi-disciplinary teams in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to meet critical deadlines and manage risks will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Development Technologist - 6-month fixed term contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food science and development technology, particularly in the bread and biscuits industry. Emphasise your technical expertise and any project management skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food development and your understanding of market trends. Mention specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to lead and support NPD initiatives.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your knowledge of the product development cycle, QMS procedures, and any experience with Top 4 retailer NPD systems. This will show that you are well-prepared for the role.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since the role requires working cross-functionally, include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in previous roles. This could be through project management or by nurturing customer relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Frank Roberts & Sons Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As a Development Technologist, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for food and trends in the industry. Be prepared to discuss your favourite products, recent innovations, and how they inspire your work.
✨Highlight Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure to showcase your understanding of food processes, especially in bread and biscuits. Be ready to explain how your technical expertise can contribute to the company's goals and product development cycle.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with marketing, procurement, and quality teams in the past. This will show your ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in product development. Think of specific examples where you had to troubleshoot or innovate under pressure, and be ready to discuss them.
