At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and innovate premium chocolate products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a leading chocolate manufacturer known for quality and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, casual dress, and free food perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a 1pm finish on Fridays and great career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team driving food innovation in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field with NPD experience.
We are seeking an experienced NPD Food Technologist to join one of the world's leading premium chocolate manufacturers, renowned for collaborating with globally recognised brands and Michelin-starred chefs. This is an exciting opportunity to develop innovative chocolate and confectionery products from initial concept through to successful commercial launch.
Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality products that meet technical, regulatory, and commercial requirements while driving innovation and continuous product improvement.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and refine recipes for a range of premium chocolate and confectionery products.
- Lead product development from concept through kitchen trials, pilot trials, and full-scale factory production.
- Manage product scale-up, ensuring manufacturing processes are robust, repeatable, and commercially viable.
- Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Commercial, and Procurement teams throughout the product development process.
- Conduct sensory evaluations, competitor benchmarking, and product optimisation to enhance product quality and consumer appeal.
- Ensure all products comply with food safety legislation, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
- Troubleshoot formulation and processing challenges to support the successful launch of new products.
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 1 year experience in New Product Development (NPD) within the food manufacturing industry, ideally in chocolate or confectionery.
- Strong understanding of chocolate processing, ingredients, and product development principles.
- Experience conducting factory trials and scaling products from pilot stage to commercial production.
- Excellent organisational, project management, and communication skills.
- A creative, hands-on approach with a genuine passion for food innovation.
Up to £42k depending on experience
Benefits- 1pm Friday finish
- Casual dress
- Company pension scheme
- Discounted / free food
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
NPD Food Technologist in Ashford employer: Netbox Recruitment
Join a leading premium chocolate manufacturer in Ashford, where innovation meets passion for food. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and teamwork, allowing you to develop exciting new products alongside renowned brands and chefs. With benefits like a casual dress code, early Friday finishes, and opportunities for professional growth, we are committed to supporting your career while ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Food Technologist in Ashford
✨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 Netbox Recruitment.
✨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 Netbox Recruitment!
✨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 Netbox Recruitment, 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 Netbox Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Food Technologist in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Netbox Recruitment, 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 Netbox Recruitment.
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 Netbox Recruitment. 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 Netbox Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Netbox Recruitment
✨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 Netbox Recruitment’s mission.
