At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative tea products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Twinings, a renowned brand shaping the future of wellbeing beverages.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, yearly bonus, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in product development while working with exciting ingredients.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in R&D, preferably in Food and Beverages, with a scientific degree.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
- R&I Development Technologist (NPD)
- Department: New Product Development
- Application Deadline: 9 January 2026
- Seniority level: Executive
- Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
- Industry: Food and Beverage Services
- Job Overview
Do you want to help shape the future of tea at Twinings?
The aim of the Research and Development Team is to drive commercial growth by creating amazing Consumer Product Experiences in wellbeing beverages.
We achieve this by driving competitive advantage through collaboration across our technical community.
The R&I Development Technologist will lead the development workstream of new product development projects, working collaboratively to create product briefs and develop consumer-delighting blends, guiding them from concept through to launch.
You will play a key role in blend development, full technical readiness, and product development trials.
The role also involves supporting cost optimisation initiatives, introducing new ingredients and innovative approaches, and contributing to day‑to‑day laboratory activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Product Development & Delivery
- Development (18‑24 time frame) and delivery of new products that delight consumers and meet success criteria (Minimum viable product (MVP), KQAs, KPIs, Co Gs, regulation) through exploration, lab development and factory implementation.
- Custodian of product promise: drives clarity on KQA and MVP/desired during scoping/feasibility and proposes options for delivering MVP.
- Lab scale creation of products using materials, such as teas, herbs, flavours, wellbeing ingredients to deliver at least MVP of product brief.
- Completes assessment of prospective new raw materials and blends; factory runnability testing, COSHH assessment and shelf‑life testing.
- Identify risks and mitigations, to successful project completion, in collaboration with the project team.
- Support technical activities for NPD, cost innovations and process optimisation projects.
- Strong personal and technical leadership to ensure that assigned projects are completed within schedule and budget, executed with excellence and fully compliant with quality, food safety and regulatory requirements.
- Support creation and create compelling stories celebrating development blends to strengthen consumer product experience.
- Personal ownership of GMP and H&S standards. And supports team in maintaining these standards.
- Sample making and support lab stock management.
- Governance & Compliance
- Work closely with internal stakeholders including raw material sourcing, quality, ethical and regulatory teams to ensure ingredients and products meet the correct standards in terms of quality and commercial considerations.
- Collaborates to assess market compliance, suitability for brand standards and suitability for on‑pack claims.
- Request specifications for new ingredients and check specifications against project needs.
- Innovation Behaviours & Ways of Working
- Develop and maintain a strong knowledge of product development, ingredient functionality, blending, production and process techniques.
- Role model Twinings Innovation Behaviours.
- Identify opportunities to drive greater efficiency/ agility in NPD development and delivery and propose solutions.
- ‘Bring the outside in’ so Twinings and specifically Near Term Innovation projects can benefit real‑time from latest NPD, process, ingredient and innovation thinking.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- 2+ years’ experience working within an R&D environment as an NPD or R&D Technologist or similar. Preferably within Food and Beverages / FMCG.
- Demonstratable experience of working in product development and utilising specifications systems.
- Education at least to degree level, in a scientific discipline with food industry experience.
- Level 2 Food Safety or good understanding of food safety as well as basic scientific techniques and good scientific practice.
- Experience working with herbal ingredients/food/beverage raw materials desirable as well as knowledge and interest in tea/herbal infusions & food/flavours with good sensory acuity.
- Clear communicator with an ability to engage and influence a wide range of internal stakeholders to deliver new products to market at the right pace, without neglecting quality and safety standards.
- Strong technical rigour and organisation skills with demonstrated excellent attention to detail.
- Natural collaborator – happy to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Thinks differently, challenging conventional thinking to create the future and overcome barriers. Curious, questioning and always looking ahead and outside.
Benefits
- Yearly bonus based on personal contribution and financial performance.
- 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays and the option to buy and sell holidays.
- Onsite Gym and Wellbeing Centre.
- Perkbox – employee discount scheme with discounts online, in high street stores, cinema, holidays, restaurants and many more.
- Pension scheme with your contributions matched for up to 10% of your salary.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Simply Health Cash plan.
- Onsite Staff shop and online staff discounts.
- Electric Car Scheme.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
R&I Development Technologist (NPD) in Andover employer: Twinings
At Twinings, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to wellbeing, all while working in a vibrant environment that champions creativity and teamwork. Join us in our mission to drive performance and make a meaningful impact in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&I Development Technologist (NPD) in Andover
✨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 Twinings.
✨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 Twinings!
✨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 Twinings, 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 Twinings, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace R&I Development Technologist (NPD) in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Twinings, 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 Twinings.
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 Twinings. 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 Twinings. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Twinings
✨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 Twinings’s mission.
