Junior New Product Development Chef / NPD Assistant
Award winning Food manufacturing company
Reports to: NPD Manager
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Ivybridge
£26000 - 28,000 DOE
Job Purpose
We are looking for a passionate and creative Junior New Product Development Chef / NPD assistant to join our team and develop high-quality jams, chutneys, pickles and sauces from initial concept through to launch. This is a hands‑on role for someone who loves food, enjoys experimenting with ingredients and processes, and has the patience and attention to detail to refine recipes until they are perfect.You'll work closely with production to ensure new and existing products meet quality, cost and commercial requirements. The role combines hands‑on product development in the NPD kitchen with recipe development, costing, factory trials and production set‑up. You'll work closely with NPD, Technical, Production, Purchasing, Sales and suppliers to ensure products meet customer, quality, food safety and commercial requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and prepare new products and samples in the NPD kitchen.
- Experiment with ingredients, recipes and production methods and improve existing products.
- Maintain accurate recipes, development records and product information.
- Complete product costings and coordinate approval of new ingredients and packaging.
- Organise and support factory trials and product scale‑up.
- Work with Technical on specifications, labelling and customer information.
- Liaise with suppliers to identify new and improved ingredients.
- Work closely with Production to ensure products are practical and commercially viable.
Skills & Experience
- Experience in food manufacturing, NPD or catering.
- Genuine passion for food with strong practical cooking ability.
- Creative, methodical and highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong communication, problem‑solving and time‑management skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Positive, proactive "can-do" attitude and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Experience conducting factory trials or product development.
Who This Role Could Suit
This role could suit a candidate who has previously worked as an NPD Assistant, NPD Technician, Technical Assistant, Cook or Chef, or a Food Science / Food Technology graduate looking to develop their career in food product development. The role is commutable from Plymouth, Plympton, Newton Abbot and Totnes, as well as surrounding areas.
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Junior New Product Development Chef / NPD Assistant in Ivybridge employer: Manucomm Recruitment
Join a leading FMCG manufacturer near Shepton Mallet, where you will be part of a dynamic engineering team dedicated to innovation and excellence. We offer competitive benefits, a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and continuous improvement, and ample opportunities for professional growth in a stable, long-term position. Experience the unique advantage of working in a fast-paced environment that values your skills and contributions.
