At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to innovate and develop exciting new food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Be part of Pilgrim's Europe, a leader in the food industry with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in product development and work in a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Fully office-based role with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food innovation and make a real impact on customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, strong organisational skills, and relevant qualifications or experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
The Vacancy Product Development Technologist Location: Craigavon
About the Role
Are you passionate about food innovation and bringing exciting new products to market? We are looking for a Product Development Technologist to join our dynamic Product Development team. In this role, you will work closely with site teams, customers, chefs, and cross-functional stakeholders to support the end-to-end development of new and existing food products, from initial concept through to successful launch. You will play a vital role in delivering customer-focused development and innovation, supporting business growth, and helping to shape the future food agenda at Pilgrim's Europe. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for food, strong organisational skills, and a desire to develop a career in New Product Development (NPD).
Key Responsibilities
- Product Development & Innovation
- Support the delivery of customer-focused and commercially viable NPD and EPD projects.
- Assist in transforming customer briefs and innovation ideas into successful product launches.
- Ensure products meet customer codes of practice, legislative requirements, allergen standards, sustainability objectives, and welfare standards.
- Contribute to innovation sessions, customer presentations, and product ideation activities.
- Help identify opportunities for product improvement, value creation, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Flexibility to travel for training and business requirements such as customer submissions and supplier visits. Full UK driving license is essential.
- Project Management
- Support projects through the development gate process, ensuring all information is accurately maintained within recipe management systems.
- Build recipes and products to generate accurate submissions forms and costings.
- Assist and delegate the preparation of customer product submission samples.
- Assist with project planning, critical path management, and cross-functional communication.
- Support artwork approval processes to ensure compliance with legal and customer requirements.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Commercial, Operations, Procurement, Technical, NPI, and Customer teams to deliver projects successfully.
- Support feasibility assessments for new products, ingredients, processes, and packaging solutions.
- Participate in customer visits and presentations.
- Maintain documentation to support internal and external audit requirements.
- Market & Consumer Insight
- Stay informed about food, consumer, restaurant, and market trends.
- Monitor competitor activity and emerging food innovations.
- Support the development of customer roadmaps aligned with market trends and site capabilities.
- Bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to future innovation and NPD projects.
About You
We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic about food, highly organised, and enjoys working in a collaborative environment.
- Experience within a Product Development or food manufacturing environment is advantageous but not essential.
- Understanding of product costing, ingredient sourcing, packaging, or supply chain processes would be beneficial.
- Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience working with cross-functional or geographically diverse teams would be advantageous.
Qualifications
- Relevant food industry qualification and/or practical experience.
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Marketing, Business, or equivalent qualification is desirable.
Why Join Pilgrim's Europe?
At Pilgrim's Europe, our values drive everything we do: Availability - We are open, responsive, and ready to embrace new challenges. Humility - We listen, collaborate, and value the views of others. Discipline - We consistently deliver on our commitments. Sincerity - We act with honesty, respect, and integrity. Ownership - We take responsibility and make things happen. Determination - We strive for excellence and continuous improvement. Simplicity - We focus on what matters most to achieve success.
If you're passionate about food innovation and want to be part of a business that is shaping the future of the industry, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help create the next generation of exciting food products at Pilgrim's Europe.
Please note: This role is fully office-based with no hybrid or remote working options.
Our Story
Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets. Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products. Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day.
Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
Product Development Technologist TLNT1_NI in Banbridge employer: Pilgrims Europe
At Pilgrim's Europe, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises food safety and quality excellence. Our team in Attleborough benefits from continuous professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to innovation in food safety practices, making it a rewarding place to grow your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Technologist TLNT1_NI in Banbridge
✨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 Pilgrims Europe.
✨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 Pilgrims Europe!
✨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 Pilgrims Europe, 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 Pilgrims Europe, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Technologist TLNT1_NI in Banbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Pilgrims Europe, 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 Pilgrims Europe.
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 Pilgrims Europe. 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 Pilgrims Europe. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨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 Pilgrims Europe’s mission.
