At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Innovation team to develop exciting new food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Established food manufacturing business focused on product innovation and sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be hands-on in food innovation and recipe development while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in food development or culinary roles; passion for food innovation is key.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
A well established food manufacturing business in the Newtownards area is seeking an NPD Technologist to join its growing Innovation team. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a business focused on driving product innovation and sustainable growth through the development of new and improved food products. Working within a fast paced environment, you will play a key role in bringing innovative concepts from idea through to launch.
As NPD Technologist, you will support the development of new and existing products from concept through to commercial launch. This role has a strong culinary focus, making it ideal for candidates with hands-on food preparation, chef or culinary development experience who are looking to build a career within food manufacturing innovation.
You will be involved in recipe development, kitchen sample preparation, benchmarking, product tastings, ingredient sourcing and factory trials, working closely with internal teams to ensure products are delivered in line with customer expectations, process capabilities and legal requirements. You will also support specification preparation, product costing and process optimisation initiatives while maintaining accurate records throughout the development life cycle.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Previous experience within NPD, food development or a culinary/chef-based role
- Food-related qualification (Degree/HND) or relevant industry experience
- Passion for food innovation, recipe development and product creation
- Knowledge of food processing, HACCP and food safety principles
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally
- Creative mindset with a practical approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Entry-level candidates with relevant culinary NPD experience and a strong desire to learn are encouraged to apply
What you'll get in return:
- Opportunity to develop your career within a growing and innovative NPD function
- Hands-on involvement in the full product development lifecycle from concept through to launch
- Strong exposure to recipe development, factory trials, customer projects and food innovation
- Monday-Friday working pattern (9:00am-5:00pm) with flexibility where required
- Supportive team environment with excellent opportunities for learning and development
- Opportunity to work with a wide range of ingredients, flavours and new product concepts
- Competitive salary package and long term career progression opportunities within food manufacturing innovation
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
NPD Technologist in Newtownards employer: Hays
Join a well-established ecological consultancy in Kent that prioritises work-life balance and professional development. With a collaborative team culture and a commitment to delivering high-quality ecological advice, this company offers meaningful career progression opportunities for ecologists. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and the chance to work on diverse projects across the South East and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Technologist in Newtownards
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Hays.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Hays!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Hays, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Hays, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Technologist in Newtownards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Hays, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Hays.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Hays. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Hays. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Hays’s mission.
