NPD Technologist

Job Title: NPD Technologist

Location: Greater Glasgow

Salary: £28k to £36k (DOE)

Sector: Food Manufacturing

ROLE PURPOSE

The NPD Technologist supports the delivery of the New Product Development (NPD) strategy across private-label and branded products. The role involves managing and coordinating NPD projects from concept to launch, ensuring all processes, documentation, and timelines are adhered to. The successful candidate will work hands-on in recipe development, factory trials, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers. Flexibility and a willingness to travel internationally, including overnight stays, are essential for this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Management: Manages assigned projects, ensuring critical paths are established, timelines are met, and all tasks are coordinated effectively. Utilises the NPD tracker to monitor progress and provide updates.
• Private-Label Experience: Works closely with private-label customers to deliver products that meet their expectations and standards, including presenting ideas and ensuring seamless project execution.
• Quality Standards: Develops and implements Quality Attribute Standards (QAS) for new products, ensuring production teams are briefed and compliant. Maintains allergen-free status for applicable products.
• Factory Trials: Coordinates and oversees factory trials to ensure products meet specifications and can be scaled up successfully for production. Collaborates with production teams to address challenges and ensure smooth launches.
• Recipe Development: Supports the creation and optimisation of recipes that align with customer and business goals. Identifies opportunities for improvements in cost or processes.
• Raw Material Research: Assists in sourcing and researching new raw materials, ensuring they align with product requirements and innovation goals.
• Technical Documentation: Completes and maintains accurate product specifications, cutter guides, artwork approvals, and associated technical documents. Ensures databases are up to date and easily accessible.
• Innovation: Contributes ideas to improve product offerings, processes, or site capabilities, supporting the company’s NPD strategy.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Builds strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and customers, fostering collaboration to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Customer Engagement: Engages with private-label customers to present products, support benchmarking sessions, and address queries.
• Travel: Willing and prepared to travel internationally, including overnight stays, to support project requirements and customer needs.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Delivery of NPD projects on time and to specification.
• Effective coordination across departments and stakeholders.
• High-quality documentation and compliance standards.

ATTRIBUTES AND BEHAVIOURS

• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Attention to detail and a structured approach to tasks.
• Commercial awareness and experience working with private-label customers.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Motivated, proactive, and passionate about food development.
• Flexible and adaptable, thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• Team player who collaborates effectively across departments.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Food Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2–3 years’ experience in an NPD or similar role, ideally with private-label product development.
• Proven ability to manage projects from concept to launch.
• Experience working with retailer customers, particularly in private-label development.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including overnight stays, as part of the role.

Please note that our client is unable to offer sponsorship. For more information about this role, please apply.