New Product Development Assistant (Maternity) in Ballymena

Are you on the lookout for an opening into the world of New Product Development in industry? Do you want to develop yourself in a NPD role? Are you a recent graduate of Food Technology (or other food related area)? or looking for a temporary placement to gain experience? If so we want to hear from you. Due to maternity within the team and sustained and continued growth, we are currently seeking applications for the temporary position of NPD Assistant Maternity Cover within our plant located in Ballymena for a period of 6-9 months. We are flexible in regards to full or part time hours to suit around studies.

2024/25 saw Norbev have its best financial year to date and we are on course for another strong performance this year. We also received awards for Right Place to Work and highly commended in Sustainability at the local Ballymena Business Awards. In 2025 we also proudly received our Investors In People accreditation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including salary sacrifice pension contributions, holiday allowance of 30 days increasing with length of service, recognition awards for long service, free on site car parking and a company funded cashback health plan through Westfield Health. We place a strong emphasis on training and development with tailored training plans for all employees. We also offer an Employee Assistance Program, discount on Axa insurance products, family friendly initiatives including our Annual Family Fun Day and for the foodies, a hot breakfast every Friday, succulent Christmas lunch every December and a turkey for every employee at Christmas.

You will have the chance to work at the front of a leading edge innovative company working with a number of key recognised customers.

What Does The Role Entail?

You will work closely with the NPD team and Business Development Manager to provide support for the overall NPD function and processes. This could entail mocking up sample packs, coordinating development processes and assisting with trials. Always promote the values of the business and grow the NPD function.

What Will My Key Responsibilities Be?

• Assist co-ordination of the new product development process from beginning to end.
• Oversee technical development of products, ensuring that all Syrup Room and NPD operations are conducted in line with the Food Safety & Quality Management System.
• Mock up samples of various packs, bottles, lab sample liquids and send to clients.
• Attend meetings both onsite and offsite when required with customer and suppliers to prepare and update project minutes to the NPD team.
• Work with suppliers to identify if new projects are possible.
• Arranging trials, ensuring material availability and provide hands on guidance to the production team throughout trial.
• Communicate NPD updates to the internal team and follow up where necessary.
• Prepare for onsite visits from customers/potential customers.
• Pull together production reports for the NPD Manager.
• Present product/packaging ideas to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Any other duties or projects deemed to be within reason/competence.

Food Safety Responsibilities

• Support the Syrup Room function, supporting the safety, legality and quality of all products produced.
• Ensure that all NPD products are developed according to the standards and procedure defined with the Food Safety & Quality Management System.
• Maintain all required paperwork with the aim of being audit ready at all times.

Environment, H&S Responsibilities

• PPE Adherence.
• Recycling.
• Waste Minimisation.
• Material Minimisation.

Values and Leadership

Our Values are the principles and standards that guide the way we do business. They sum up what our business stands for, influence our organisational culture, and drive how and why we do things. As a member of the team at Norbev, it is your responsibility to ensure that the Company Values are demonstrated in your behaviours allowing our business to grow and evolve without losing focus on what is important to it.

• Nurture: We create an environment for success, take opportunities to be the best we can, and encourage each other to achieve our goals.
• One: We work as one team in a positive manner, sharing knowledge and communicating with each other effectively and respectfully.
• Responsible: We take ownership for our part in running our business. We take care of ourselves, each other, our equipment and our products, respect our environment and reduce waste.
• Bold: We are resilient and embrace change. We are creative, courageous and flexible in our approach to problem solving.
• Ethical: We do the right thing. We act with honesty, integrity and respect in everything we do and adhere to the standards expected of us.
• Visionary: We are proactive in our drive for continuous improvement. We think strategically and plan for the future, guided by lean principles.

What Skills and Attributes Should I Have?

• Qualifications (Essential): A third level qualification in Food Technology or other food related area.
• Experience (Essential): A working knowledge of food manufacturing processes, demonstrated customer service experience, proven experience of lab processes in the food/beverage industry.
• Knowledge (Desirable): Knowledge of BRC standards, relevant study experience of NPD, Food Technology or Innovation.

Work Location: In person

Skills: Projects, Product Development, Innovation