At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovation in seafood and pork product development from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a leading food company committed to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating exciting new food products.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in Food Science/Technology and experience in food product development.
- Other info: Work onsite in Livingston with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
Drive innovation from concept to launch across seafood & pork categories.
The Role
Our new Senior Development Technologist will play a key role in bringing innovative, commercially viable products to life across our European Seafood and Pork divisions. Working cross‑functionally, you’ll take ownership of development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring delivery to cost, quality, and timescale. This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced role where you’ll collaborate closely with internal teams and customers, balancing creativity with commercial awareness. You’ll contribute to both brand and own‑label development, while staying ahead of trends and driving continuous improvement across products and processes. This role is based onsite in Livingston, 5 days per week.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Managing multiple NPD and EPD projects to agreed cost and timeline parameters.
- Developing, trialling, and implementing products from concept through to launch.
- Ensuring samples and costings are prepared on time for internal and customer presentations.
- Collaborating cross‑functionally with Operations, Technical, Commercial, Supply Chain and more.
- Liaising directly with customers to align on briefs and respond to evolving requirements.
- Sourcing ingredients and supporting cost control in line with budget expectations.
- Keeping up to date with market trends to drive innovation across seafood, pork, and wider categories.
- Supporting governance processes and ensuring compliance with internal and customer NPD frameworks.
- Mentoring junior team members and deputising for the Senior NPD Manager when required.
The Ideal Candidate
- Qualified to HNC/HND level in Food Science/Technology or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience in food product development (ideally chilled or frozen categories).
- Strong understanding of end‑to‑end NPD processes from concept to launch.
- Confident communicator, comfortable presenting to both internal teams and customers.
- Commercially aware, with experience in costing and delivering to budget.
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
- Passionate about food, with a keen eye on trends and innovation.
- Comfortable working cross‑functionally and building strong working relationships.
Equal Opportunities
Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Location: Livingston, West Lothian
Hours of Work: Full‑time
Senior NPD Technologist in Livingston employer: Sofina Foods Europe
Contact Detail:
Sofina Foods Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior NPD Technologist in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and recent innovations in seafood and pork. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior NPD Technologist. Highlight your project management skills and your passion for food innovation to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior NPD Technologist in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Senior NPD Technologist role. Highlight your experience in food product development and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for food innovation and your understanding of the NPD process. Let us know why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any innovative projects, make sure to mention them! We love seeing examples of your creativity and commercial awareness. Share specific outcomes and how you managed timelines and budgets.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods Europe
✨Know Your NPD Process
Make sure you’re well-versed in the end-to-end NPD processes. Brush up on how to take a product from concept to launch, especially in the seafood and pork categories. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that highlight your understanding of these processes.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
This role is all about innovation, so don’t hold back! Prepare to share ideas or trends you've noticed in the market that could inspire new products. Think about how you can balance creativity with commercial viability and be ready to discuss how you’ve done this in previous roles.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since you’ll be working cross-functionally, it’s crucial to demonstrate your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with different departments like Operations, Technical, and Commercial. Highlight any experiences where you’ve liaised directly with customers to meet their needs.
✨Be Organised and Ready to Prioritise
With multiple projects on the go, being organised is essential. Bring a few strategies or tools you use to manage your time and priorities effectively. Discuss how you’ve handled tight deadlines and ensured that projects stayed on track while maintaining quality.