At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and launch innovative food products while improving existing ones.
- Company: Join a people-first company that values wellbeing and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and recognition for your contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food development and engage with customers directly.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in NPD with a strong food science background required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Reporting directly to the Product Development Manager, this role focuses on delivering the Commercial strategy with responsibility for developing new products, improving existing ones, and supporting the full NPD process from concept to launch. It combines hands‑on product development, scientific understanding, project management, and customer interaction. The ideal person is practical, curious, and confident working across both kitchen and factory environments.
Our benefits include:
- A supportive, people‑first culture where wellbeing, respect and teamwork genuinely matter
- Wellbeing & inclusion initiatives throughout the year including wellbeing events, awareness weeks and practical support for hidden and non-hidden disabilities
- Engaging team activities & celebrations, from seasonal events to recognition days and charity initiatives
- Training and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and progress your career
- Work‑life balance supported by fair, flexible and people‑focused working practices (where role allows)
- Employee voice & involvement – we actively listen, consult and celebrate ideas and improvements from our teams
- An inclusive and ethical employer, committed to equality, respect and doing the right thing
- Recognition and appreciation, because great work deserves to be noticed
Above all, you’ll be joining a business where people are not just a number; you’ll be supported, encouraged and recognised for the contribution you make.
Job requirements
Key Responsibilities
- Product Development
- Develop new food products from concept through to launch
- Reformulate and improve existing products for quality, cost, allergens, or nutritional targets
- Run kitchen trials, pilot plant trials, and support full factory scale‑ups
- Produce samples for internal teams and customer presentations
- Engage with Customers to share project updates and advise on technical product formulation
- Work with NCS team to develop rework recipes
- Scientific & Technical Expertise
- Use a strong food science background to solve formulation challenges
- Understand ingredient functionality, processing effects, stability, shelf‑life, and product safety
- Support sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis
- Articulate and confident presenting products and technical information
- Happy in front of customers — comfortable explaining formulations, processes, and development decisions in a clear, engaging way
- Attend customer visits, product reviews, and site meetings to represent the NPD function professionally
- Able to translate scientific detail into something commercial teams and customers easily understand
- Project Management
- Manage multiple NPD projects at once, keeping timelines and documentation up to date
- Create and maintain all required paperwork to a high standard including sample specifications
- Work cross‑functionally with production, quality, procurement, and commercial
- Factory & Operations Support
- Attend factory trials and first productions to ensure smooth product handover
- Troubleshoot production issues and work collaboratively on process improvements
- Work with suppliers to source new ingredients and understand capabilities
- Stay up to date with trends, technologies, and market developments
Skills & Experience
- NVQ/Diploma or equivalent Level 3 in product development/food science
- Minimum 5 years of NPD experience in a food manufacturing environment
- Confident communicator — articulate, personable, and credible with customers
- Good presentation skills
- Hands‑on, practical, and comfortable in kitchen, pilot plant, and factory settings
- Strong organisational and project management skills, including ability to problem solve
- Ability to work to deadlines and thrive under pressure
Senior NPD Technologist in Wigan employer: Zeelandia UK Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Senior NPD Technologist, where you'll be part of a supportive, people-first culture that prioritises wellbeing, respect, and teamwork. With a strong focus on employee growth through training and development opportunities, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact in product development while enjoying a flexible work-life balance and being recognised for your contributions. This role not only offers engaging team activities and celebrations but also fosters an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior NPD Technologist in Wigan
✨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 practising common questions and showcasing your hands-on experience. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that highlight your product development skills and scientific knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for food science and product development during interviews. Share your curiosity about trends and innovations in the industry, and how you can bring that knowledge to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our supportive and inclusive culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior NPD Technologist in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Product Development:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for food product development shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about creating new products and improving existing ones.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and skills, especially those that match the job description. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Highlight Your Technical Expertise:Don’t forget to showcase your scientific background and technical skills! Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that demonstrate your understanding of ingredient functionality and product safety. We want to know how you can tackle formulation challenges and contribute to our NPD process.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Make sure to customise your application for StudySmarter. Refer to our values and culture in your writing, and explain why you want to join our team specifically. Applying through our website is the best way to ensure we see your application, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zeelandia UK Ltd
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the company’s existing product range and any recent launches. Be ready to discuss how you would improve these products or develop new ones based on market trends and customer feedback.
✨Showcase Your Scientific Knowledge
Brush up on your food science principles, especially around ingredient functionality and product safety. Be prepared to explain how you’ve used this knowledge in past roles to solve formulation challenges or improve product quality.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Think of specific examples where you successfully managed multiple NPD projects simultaneously. Highlight your organisational skills and how you kept everything on track, including timelines and documentation.
✨Engage with Confidence
Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. During the interview, be ready to present your thoughts on technical product formulations and engage with the interviewer as if they were a customer, showcasing your communication skills.
