At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in creating exciting new food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Dynamic food manufacturing company based in Norfolk.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes the future of food innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and a passion for product development.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Site-based – Norfolk
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000
Sector: Food Manufacturing
The Role
We are recruiting for a New Product Development Technologist to support the delivery of new product development projects within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role will be involved in developing products from concept through to launch, working closely with Technical, Production, and Commercial teams to ensure products are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and to the required quality standards. You will also support ongoing product improvement initiatives and play a key role in trials, documentation, and factory scale-up.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development of new products from concept through to launch
- Assist with kitchen trials, product sampling, and ingredient preparation
- Help translate kitchen concepts into factory-ready processes
- Support NPD projects through stage-gate processes
- Prepare and maintain product specifications and documentation
- Conduct sensory (organoleptic) and shelf-life testing
- Assist with factory trials including process and packaging validation
- Support HACCP reviews for new and existing products
- Troubleshoot product, process, and packaging issues where required
- Work closely with Production teams during trials and launches
- Maintain awareness of food trends and competitor products
- Assist with sourcing and evaluating raw materials and packaging
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards and legislation
- Maintain accurate records throughout the development process
- Support continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives
About You
- Experience within a food manufacturing or NPD environment
- Basic understanding of product development and factory processes
- Awareness of food safety standards and quality requirements
- Experience supporting trials and product testing (desirable)
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks
- Able to work collaboratively across departments
- Proactive and hands-on approach to problem solving
- Good communication skills
Desirable
- Exposure to chilled or processed food categories
- Understanding of HACCP principles
- Relevant qualification in food science or a related field
New Product Development (NPD) in Norfolk employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Contact Detail:
Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Development (NPD) in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the food manufacturing industry, especially those involved in NPD. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – you never know where a chat might lead!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your past projects or trials. This will help them see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on food trends! Keep an eye on what’s hot in the food world and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these trends into new product development. It shows you're passionate and proactive about your role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll have a better chance of getting noticed and landing that dream job in NPD.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development (NPD) in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the New Product Development role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about NPD and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks. We love proactive problem solvers, so share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in trials or product testing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
✨Know Your NPD Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of New Product Development. Understand the entire process from concept to launch, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to each stage. Familiarity with kitchen trials and factory processes will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role involves managing multiple tasks, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully juggled various responsibilities in the past. Highlight your ability to keep accurate records and maintain documentation throughout the development process.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to talk about specific challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially related to product testing or trials. Discuss how you approached these issues and what solutions you implemented. A proactive attitude towards troubleshooting will impress the interviewers.
✨Stay Updated on Food Trends
Research current food trends and competitor products before your interview. Being able to discuss these topics shows your passion for the industry and your commitment to continuous improvement. It also demonstrates that you’re proactive about staying informed.