At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development projects and collaborate with teams to innovate in the food industry.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on creating exciting food products that meet customer needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, creative freedom, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food innovation while making a real impact on product quality and safety.
- Qualifications: A background in food science with 3-5 years of experience in product development is essential.
- Other info: Engage in market research and trend analysis to shape the future of food products.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities
Sphere of responsibility:
- Work closely with the Senior Technologist 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Skills and Experience Required
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.
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NPD Technologist employer: Zeelandia UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Zeelandia UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the food industry. Attend food shows, read industry publications, and follow relevant social media accounts to stay updated. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food science field. Join relevant groups on LinkedIn or attend local meetups to connect with others who work in product development. Building these relationships can lead to valuable insights and potential job referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with HACCP protocols and food safety standards. Be ready to provide examples of how you've implemented these practices in previous roles, as this is crucial for the NPD Technologist position.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your presentation skills. As an NPD Technologist, you'll need to present ideas and products to various stakeholders. Consider rehearsing with friends or colleagues to gain confidence and receive constructive feedback.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food science and product development. Emphasise any specific projects where you've led product development or worked with cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food innovation and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the NPD Technologist role. Mention specific trends or technologies you are excited about and how they could influence product development.
Showcase Technical Expertise: Detail your understanding of ingredient functionality and food processes in your application. Provide examples of how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, particularly in testing and evaluating new products.
Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Since the role involves collaboration with various teams and external customers, include examples of your strong interpersonal skills. Discuss how you've successfully communicated ideas and resolved challenges in past projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zeelandia UK Ltd
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your background in food science and any relevant experience you have in product development. Highlight specific projects where you've tested new ingredients or improved existing products, as this will demonstrate your technical skills and understanding of ingredient functionality.
✨Demonstrate Market Awareness
Research current trends in the food industry before your interview. Be ready to share insights on emerging trends and how they could influence product development. This shows that you're proactive and can bring valuable market knowledge to the team.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since the role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and resolve challenges within a team setting, as strong interpersonal skills are crucial for this position.
✨Engage with Presentation Skills
Practice presenting your ideas clearly and persuasively. You may be asked to present a product concept or trend report during the interview, so ensure you can communicate your thoughts effectively. Use visuals if possible, as this can help convey your message more engagingly.