NPD Technologist: Food Innovation & Product Development

NPD Technologist: Food Innovation & Product Development

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Z

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting food product development projects and innovate with new ideas.
  • Company: Join a dynamic food innovation company focused on creativity and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with strong career advancement potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working with cutting-edge trends.
  • Qualifications: Food science background with experience in product development and testing.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Aim of Job

As an NPD Technologist, you'll be responsible for leading and executing product development projects, ensuring that products meet both customer needs and internal standards. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and external customers to showcase new ideas, innovations, and emerging trends in the food industry. Your role will involve a mix of technical expertise, market research, application skills, and creativity to help develop and improve existing food products.

Sphere of Responsibility

  • Product Development & Innovation
    • Work closely with the Production Development Manager to transform ideas into tangible product concepts.
    • Test and evaluate new raw materials and ingredients, collaborating with suppliers to meet project briefs.
    • Actively identify and incorporate new trends, technologies, and market disruptions into the development process.
    • Lead the preparation of samples and documentation to present to both internal and external stakeholders.
    • Ensure all product testing and evaluations meet the necessary standards for quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
    • Manage project timelines and critical paths for smooth handover to production.
  • Food Safety & Compliance
    • Adhere to HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) protocols in all product development and testing activities.
    • Ensure that all product files are kept up-to-date, organized, and ready for audits, with full traceability of the development process.
  • Market Research & Benchmarking
    • Conduct regular store visits, food shows, and product safaris to keep up to date with market trends.
    • Organize and lead internal and external benchmarking sessions to evaluate and compare product performance.
    • Create trend reports, particularly for specific seasons (e.g., Christmas), and use this data to influence product development.
  • Collaboration & Communication
    • Foster strong relationships with both internal teams and external customers and suppliers.
    • Ensure clear communication and a collaborative approach when resolving issues and sharing ideas.
    • Provide constructive feedback to the team and work together to identify and address challenges.
    • Present products and innovations to customers in an engaging and persuasive manner.
  • Additional Responsibilities
    • Operate and maintain key equipment relevant to product development.
    • Support other areas of Innovation, adapting to changing business needs.
    • Accurately complete costings and budgeting for all relevant projects.

Education / Experience

  • Food Science Background
  • Experience in food science or a related field, ideally with a minimum of 3-5 years working in a factory process or development role.

Technical Expertise

  • Clear understanding of ingredient functionality and food processes.
  • Experience in product development, especially research and testing of new products.
  • Strong application skills, especially in testing and evaluating new food products.
  • Knowledge of food safety protocols and HACCP procedures.

Presentation & Interpersonal Skills

  • Strong ability to present ideas, products, and trends both internally and externally.
  • Good interpersonal skills, approachable, and able to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external customers.
  • Experience in providing constructive feedback and resolving team challenges.

Key Attributes

  • Innovation & Creativity: Ability to think outside the box and generate fresh, innovative ideas that meet customer needs and market demands.
  • Attention to Detail: Ensure that all product files and documentation are precise, complete, and organized.
  • Team Player: Work well within a collaborative environment and be proactive in resolving issues and contributing to group success.
  • Market Savvy: Constantly scan the market and emerging trends to help drive product development and identify new opportunities.

NPD Technologist: Food Innovation & Product Development employer: Zeelandia Ltd

As an NPD Technologist in Food Innovation & Product Development, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment that values creativity and innovation. Our company offers robust employee growth opportunities, including access to the latest market trends and technologies, while fostering a culture of teamwork and open communication. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact product development and customer satisfaction.

Z

Contact Details:

Zeelandia Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land NPD Technologist: Food Innovation & Product Development

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the food industry! Attend food shows, workshops, or even local meetups. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

Showcase Your Skills

Create a portfolio that highlights your product development projects and innovations. Use visuals and data to demonstrate your impact. This will make you stand out when you’re chatting with potential employers.

Be Ready for Interviews

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of innovation and market trends. Practice your pitch so you can present yourself confidently!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace NPD Technologist: Food Innovation & Product Development

Product Development
Market Research
HACCP
Food Safety Protocols
Ingredient Functionality
Testing and Evaluation of Food Products
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food Innovation:When writing your application, let your love for food and innovation shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that highlight your creativity and technical skills in product development.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your experience with HACCP protocols, market research, and collaboration, as these are key aspects of the NPD Technologist role.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your relevant experience and skills at a glance.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zeelandia Ltd

Know Your Ingredients

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ingredient functionality and food processes. Be ready to discuss how different ingredients can impact product development and showcase your understanding of food safety protocols, especially HACCP.

Showcase Your Creativity

Prepare to share innovative ideas and examples of past projects where you've successfully developed new products. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and meet customer needs with fresh concepts.

Market Research is Key

Familiarise yourself with current market trends and be prepared to discuss them during the interview. Bring insights from recent store visits or food shows, and think about how these trends could influence product development in the role.

Communication is Crucial

Practice how you'll present your ideas clearly and persuasively. Highlight your interpersonal skills and readiness to collaborate with cross-functional teams, as well as how you handle feedback and resolve challenges within a team setting.