At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative packaging for exciting chocolate products and collaborate with various teams.
- Company: Join Kinnerton Confectionery, a leader in the chocolate industry.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a starting salary of £24,784.76 and great perks.
- Other info: Gain valuable experience and mentorship in a dynamic environment with career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that brings delicious ideas to life on store shelves.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4, plus a passion for food and packaging.
The predicted salary is between 24784 - 33000 £ per year.
Have you ever picked up a chocolate advent calendar, a NOMO bar or a seasonal chocolate gift and wondered how it got from an idea on to a retailer's store? At Kinnerton Confectionery, our NPD team are at the heart of the business, creating exciting new products and packaging that delight customers across the UK. As our NPD Packaging Developer Apprentice, you'll play a hands-on role in bringing innovative packaging concepts to life for major retailers and award-winning chocolate brands like NOMO and Kinnerton Kids. The formal learning part of your apprenticeship will be delivered by Lincoln University Centre of Food Manufacturing.
Position type: Temporary for the duration of the Apprenticeship (28 months)
Hours: 37.5
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Key Benefits:
- Earn while you learn on a starting salary of £24,784.76, with earning potential to increase up to £33,000 following successful completion of apprenticeship
- Health care cash plan via Paycare
- Start working full-time at Kinnerton from July 2025 within the NPD team
- The apprenticeship course begins in October 2025 via University of Lincoln for 24 months
Advert Closing Date: 31/07/2026
Responsibilities:
- Support the development of exciting packaging solutions for NOMO, Kinnerton Kids and retailer-branded products
- Assist with projects from initial concept through to launch and post-launch review
- Participate in factory packaging trials and testing activities
- Work closely with Production, Technical, Quality, Procurement, Commercial and Marketing teams
- Learn how packaging must balance creativity, sustainability, functionality and cost
- Help review customer feedback, product performance, retailer requirements and industry trends
- Assist with packaging specifications, project documentation and data analysis
- Attend apprenticeship learning blocks and successfully complete all coursework and assessments
In this role, you won't just observe – you'll be contributing to real packaging projects that end up on retailer shelves across the UK. You'll learn:
- How new confectionery products are developed and launched
- How packaging combines creativity, functionality and sustainability
- What different teams across a food manufacturing business do
- How customer feedback, retailer requirements and product performance influence future innovation
- How successful products progress from a concept idea to a finished product in store
You'll gain exposure to the entire product lifecycle while building relationships with teams across the business and learning from experienced packaging specialists.
Qualifications:
- GCSE English Maths at Grade 4 (previously C)
- A genuine interest in food manufacturing, packaging or product development
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Good communication skills and a willingness to learn
- Confidence using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel
- Ability to travel to Lincoln for residential study blocks throughout the apprenticeship (accommodation provided by Kinnerton)
Rewards Benefits:
- Food Technologist Level 3 Apprenticeship qualification
- Practical experience within a leading confectionery manufacturer
- Mentoring from experienced NPD and packaging professionals
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (33 days in total)
- 4% employer pension contribution
- Life Assurance x4 basic salary
- Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), along with access to Paycare Perks for exclusive high street and retailer discounts
- Excellent career development opportunities within food innovation
Based at our Fakenham site, you'll join a creative NPD team responsible for developing exciting confectionery products and packaging solutions supplied to major UK retailers.
Application & Interview Process:
Please apply online via our careers portal, upload your CV and answer the application questions. Successful candidates will be invited to Kinnerton to participate in an Assessment day consisting of a 1:1 interview, factory tour, and group activity. Kinnerton Confectionery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
NPD Packaging Developer Apprenticeship (Food Technologist Level 3) employer: Zertus UK & Ireland
Zertus UK & Ireland is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises hygiene excellence in food manufacturing. Employees benefit from comprehensive healthcare cash plans, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, all while having the opportunity to grow their skills in a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement and collaboration with dedicated teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Packaging Developer Apprenticeship (Food Technologist Level 3)
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Dive into some local food tech workshops or culinary fairs where you can interact with professionals in the food science and technology sector. These events often attract employers looking for fresh talent, so don’t be shy about striking up conversations and making connections!
✨Join Food Tech Communities
Engage with online forums and communities dedicated to food science and technology. Places like Reddit or specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for apprenticeship leads, insider info, and networking opportunities. You'll also find others on the same journey who can share their experiences.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Consider starting a blog or social media profile dedicated to food science. Showcase any projects, experiments, or recipes that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for the field. It’s a fantastic way to catch the eye of potential employers like Zertus UK & Ireland!
✨Apply Early and Often
With apprenticeships, timing can be crucial! Many companies, including Zertus UK & Ireland, may have specific windows for applications. Stay ahead of the game by checking their websites and applying as soon as you see an opening. Don't hesitate to reach out directly to express your interest!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Packaging Developer Apprenticeship (Food Technologist Level 3)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off Your Food Science Knowledge:When you’re drafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or projects in food science and technology. If you've got a particular interest in areas like food safety, nutrition, or product development, mention them! This helps demonstrate your passion and readiness for this apprenticeship.
Highlight Practical Experience:If you've had any hands-on experience, like working in a lab or a food-related setting, include that! Mention specific techniques or technologies you’ve used. Even if it's just a school project, showing that you can apply your knowledge in a practical context can really make you stand out to Zertus UK & Ireland.
References from Industry Professionals:If you’ve had a mentor or teacher in the food science field, consider asking them for a reference. A personal touch can go a long way in the apprenticeship process. It shows that others believe in your potential, and it gives Zertus UK & Ireland more insight into your skills and capabilities.
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, don't just say why you want the apprenticeship—be specific about what you hope to learn and achieve with Zertus UK & Ireland. Maybe there's a particular project or area of research they’re known for. Mentioning it shows that you’ve done your homework and you really want to be part of their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Science
Let's be real – get ready to express your excitement for food science and technology! Talk about any relevant coursework, projects, or even personal experiments you’ve done. Remember, they're looking for someone who's genuinely keen on the field, not just ticking boxes.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
You can bet they'll throw in some scenario-based questions related to food safety or product development. Brush up on your understanding of processes like pasteurisation or shelf-life testing, and think through how you would approach solving a hypothetical problem. Show them you can think on your feet!
✨Bring Your Notebook of Experiences
As an apprentice, your past might not be extensive, but that’s totally fine! Bring along a notebook or portfolio, even if it’s just a collection of your experiences, such as any food labs you took part in, or cooking trials, and how they relate to real-world applications. It’ll help you stand out.
✨Get Familiar with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest food science trends—like plant-based alternatives or sustainability innovations. Being able to chat about current issues and express your views on them will show that you’re not just looking for a job but are genuinely invested in the future of food technology!
