NPD Technologist in Leek

A well-established food manufacturer is seeking an autonomous, driven NPD Technologist to join their growing New Product Development team at their site in North Staffordshire. Taking full ownership of the development lifecycle, you will manage your own client accounts and guide innovative concepts from initial ideation through to final factory launch. This role offers a fantastic balance of commercial relationship management and hands-on technical execution within a fast-moving manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities for the NPD Technologists role: Manage client accounts by leading concept briefs and presenting new product iterations directly to customers. Drive the NPD lifecycle independently from initial idea to finished, scalable products. Plan and run factory trials, coordinating closely with production, operations, and technical teams to ensure seamless handovers. Establish critical paths and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve accurate validation documentation and product costings. Maintain quality compliance and process governance throughout the development pipeline. Experience & Skills Required for this NPD Technologists role: NPD experience within a food manufacturing environment. Proven capability independently running factory trials and scaling up new products. Excellent communication skills to seamlessly liaise between clients, commercial teams, and operations. Strong commercial acumen paired with a structured, process-driven project management style. A degree level education in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline is highly desirable. Benefits to you as an NPD Technologists role: Salary: Negotiable depending on experience Core Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Flexibility: Some flexible working arrangements are available to support work-life balance. Annual leave: 33 days (including Bank Holidays)