At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting food product development projects from concept to market launch.
- Company: Join Pilgrim's Europe, a leader in food innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry with your creativity and expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Senior Product Development Technologist
Location: Craigavon
Department: Product & Innovation
Reports to: Product Development Manager
Shape the Future of Food Innovation
At Pilgrim's Europe, we're passionate about creating innovative food products that excite consumers and drive business growth.
We're looking for a talented and driven Senior Product Development Technologist to join our Product & Innovation team and play a key role in bringing new products from concept through to successful market launch.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced food product developer who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing complex projects, and has a passion for food trends, innovation, and delivering exceptional products for customers.
The Role
As a Senior Development Technologist, you will take ownership of end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects, working closely with customer teams, development chefs, site teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.
You will drive projects through our concept-to-launch process, ensuring products are commercially viable, technically feasible, and aligned to customer strategies and business growth objectives.
Acting as a key link between innovation, development, NPI, and launch teams, you'll help shape the future food agenda across Pilgrim's Europe.
Key Responsibilities
- Product Development & Innovation
- Deliver customer-focused and commercially successful NPD and EPD projects.
- Work alongside Development Chefs, Technologists, and Customer Teams to develop innovative food solutions.
- Ensure all developments meet customer requirements, legal standards, allergen controls, sustainability goals, and welfare standards.
- Identify opportunities for product improvement that enhance customer satisfaction and business value.
- Support innovation sessions and customer presentations, bringing market trends and consumer insights to life.
- Become a subject matter expert within your product category.
- Project Management
- Lead projects through the Concept-to-Launch Gate Process, ensuring milestones are met and fully documented.
- Manage project critical paths and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver successful product launches.
- Assess product feasibility and ensure all developments are technically and commercially viable.
- Build and maintain accurate recipe and costing data within internal systems.
- Support customer relationships by delivering projects on time and managing expectations effectively.
- Technical Excellence
- Ensure products presented to customers are of the highest quality and representative of manufacturing capabilities.
- Challenge and resolve quality or consistency issues quickly and effectively.
- Review and approve artwork to ensure compliance with legal and customer requirements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of best-practice development processes.
- Maintain all required documentation to support internal and external audits.
- People & Team Development
- Support and coach colleagues to maximise performance and development.
- Conduct regular one-to-one reviews with direct reports where applicable.
- Identify training and development needs within the team.
- Contribute to engagement initiatives and foster a positive team culture.
- Market & Consumer Insight
- Stay ahead of emerging food, consumer, and restaurant trends.
- Monitor competitor activity and identify new business opportunities.
- Support customer roadmaps and innovation strategies aligned to market trends and site capabilities.
- Bring passion, creativity, and food expertise into every project.
About You
We're looking for someone who combines technical expertise with commercial awareness and excellent stakeholder management skills.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience in a Product Development role within the food manufacturing industry.
- Proven experience launching food products from concept to market.
- Product costing experience.
- Understanding of budgets and commercial drivers.
- Supply chain knowledge, including sourcing ingredients and packaging.
- Strong project management skills with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical ability and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point.
- Relevant food industry qualification and/or equivalent experience.
Desirable
- Degree in Food Science, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline.
- Experience within relevant product categories.
- Experience working with geographically dispersed teams.
Why Join Pilgrim's Europe?
At Pilgrim's Europe, our values drive everything we do
- Availability – We embrace challenges and opportunities.
- Humility – We listen, learn, and respect each other.
- Discipline – We deliver on our commitments.
- Sincerity – We act with honesty and integrity.
- Simplicity, Ownership & Determination – We focus on what matters and drive results.
If you're passionate about food innovation, thrive on bringing ideas to life, and want to make a real impact within a leading food business, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of food at Pilgrim's Europe.
Senior Product Development Technologist in Castlewellan 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 Senior Product Development Technologist in Castlewellan
✨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 Senior Product Development Technologist in Castlewellan
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.
