At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in creating innovative chocolate products from concept to launch.
- Company: Kinnerton Confectionery, a leader in the confectionery industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, healthcare cash plan, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make delicious ideas come to life.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, strong organisational skills, and teamwork abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33587 £ per year.
Join Kinnerton Confectionery and play a key role in bringing innovative chocolate and confectionery products from concept to launch. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of product development, working cross-functionally to deliver delicious new products to market. As an NPD Technologist, you will support the NPD Manager in taking product ideas through the full product development process, from creative concept through to successful product launch. You’ll work closely with Innovations, Marketing, Operations, and Technical teams to ensure products are developed efficiently, meet customer requirements, and are right first time. This is a hands-on, site-based role with real involvement in trials, launches, and customer-facing activities, perfect for someone looking to build their career in food innovation.
Position type: Permanent Full-Time
Hours: 37.5
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30 (Flexibility is required for factory trials, 06:00 start twice a week)
Pay range: up to £33,587
Key Benefits: Healthcare cash plan via paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling) with a value over £400 each year.
Closing date: Tuesday 9th June 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 22nd June 2026
Responsibilities
- Support the development and launch of new confectionery products in line with business strategy and customer briefs
- Attend and support critical product launches, ensuring products meet specification
- Prepare and manage product samples for internal and customer review
- Conduct shelf-life validation, nutritional analysis, raw material sourcing and generating photographic standards
- Maintain accurate and timely data within NPD systems (e.g. product specs, recipes, submissions, shelf life)
- Ensure HACCP considerations are embedded throughout the development process
- Support factory trials, capturing data, analysing results, and presenting findings
- Work closely with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure all products are factory fit
- Contribute to and lead meetings where required, representing the business professionally
- Support communication between departments to ensure smooth product handover to operations
- Develop a strong understanding of site manufacturing capabilities and processes
- Stay up to date with confectionery technologies and market trends
Qualifications
We’re looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for food and turning ideas into real products.
- Essential:
- New Product Development experience within the food industry
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
- Confidence working with data and good Excel skills
- The ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and work to tight timelines
- Excellent communication and teamworking skills
- Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn
- Flexible to support trials and launches
- Energetic and comfortable in a fast-paced environment
- Desirable:
- Food Science/Food Technology Degree or equivalent
- Comfortable working cross-functionally and building relationships
Rewards Benefits
- 25 days + bank holidays, holiday entitlement
- 4% employer and 5% employee pension plan
- Life assurance plan x4 basic salary
- Various salary sacrifice schemes including pension payments, cycle to work and electric car (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
- Healthcare cash plan via paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling) with a value over £400 each year
About Us
The Fakenham site is an 11,000m² facility producing over 8,500 tonnes of confectionery annually, including NOMO – the UK’s #1 free-from chocolate brand. With advanced technology and a nut-safe promise, we supply major retailers and co-manufacture for some of the world’s biggest confectionery brands. Every year, we produce over 5 million advent calendars and 30 million Easter eggs – making this a fast-paced, innovative environment where no two days are the same.
Application & Interview Process
Please apply online via our careers portal: create your account, upload your CV, and answer all requested questions. You will then be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team and, if progressed, enter a two-stage interview process at our Fakenham site, including a factory tour and the opportunity to meet the team. 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 special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.
NPD Technologist employer: Zertus UK & Ireland
Kinnerton Confectionery is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Fakenham where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including a healthcare cash plan and a generous pension scheme, alongside opportunities to engage in exciting product development projects. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values creativity and teamwork, all while contributing to the production of beloved confectionery products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Kinnerton Confectionery, their products, and their values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of NPD Technologist. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your work in product development and how you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Kinnerton family!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Make sure your CV stands out by tailoring it to highlight your NPD experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Nail Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for food innovation and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity at Kinnerton. Keep it concise but impactful!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this role, so make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to present their best selves right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our careers portal! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you into the interview process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Product Development Process
Familiarise yourself with the full product development cycle, especially in the confectionery sector. Be ready to discuss how you would take a product from concept to launch, and think of examples from your past experience that showcase your involvement in similar processes.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role requires strong Excel skills and data management, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency. Bring examples of how you've used data in previous roles, whether it's for shelf-life validation or nutritional analysis, and be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This position involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your teamwork skills. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in fast-paced environments.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to engage in discussions about factory trials and product launches. Think through potential challenges you might face during these processes and how you would address them. Showing that you're proactive and adaptable will impress the interviewers.
