At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of innovative snacks and confectionery from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Humdinger, a fast-growing confectionery facility in Sherburn in Elmet.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension plans, and a healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a collaborative environment await you!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving quality and innovation in food products.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in food product development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 44550 - 54450 £ per year.
We’re looking for an NPD Technologist to join our Humdinger site in Sherburn in Elmet and help bring innovative snacking and confectionery products to life. You’ll play a key role in supporting the development process from concept to launch, ensuring projects meet customer requirements and internal standards.
Position type: Temporary Full-Time - 6 month contract
Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30 (We are open to being flexible on these times)
Breaks: 30 minutes
Closing date: Friday 25th September 2026.
Responsibilities
- Supporting the Development Process: Follow the NPD development timeline, ensuring all requirements (ingredients, equipment, cost, HACCP, Recipe Professor, etc.) are met by liaising with internal and external teams. Manage sample requests, developing samples as needed and keeping the NPD Manager and Innovations Team updated on progress. Work with Supplier Assurance to ensure new raw materials meet customer codes of practice and company standards.
- Documentation & Record Keeping: Record weights, process methods, and recipes in the Recipe Professor system, ensuring updates are made throughout the development cycle. Complete Feasibility Assessments with Operations, Technical, and Supply Chain teams, identifying and mitigating any risks before customer presentations. Document and track the Bill of Materials to ensure accuracy from development to launch. ‘Sent sample’ emails to be sent to relevant parties with sign off comments from NPD Manager.
- Packaging & Trial Coordination: Assist the Packaging Developer in defining the right pack size during development. Coordinate with the Factory team to agree on pre-trial objectives and ensure trials are completed on schedule, in line with critical path timelines. Ensure post-trial reports are documented, shared with the team, and follow up on actions for a smooth product launch.
- Quality & Compliance: Periodically evaluate shelf life for all new and existing products, working with the Technical team to complete documentation and photos for customer approval. Oversee Nutritional Testing and validate EPD Nutritional data, keeping the Specifications Team updated. Document Quality Attributes for new and existing products, ensuring they are signed off by Operations & Technical before being sent to the Customer Technologist for final approval.
- Team Collaboration & Stakeholder Communication: Ensure Pre-Pack Launch Meetings (PPLM’s) are completed on time, covering all aspects of the product, and hand over workbooks to the Factory. Attend internal and customer-facing meetings, providing regular updates on product development to key stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Food Science, Food Technology, or related technical subject. (Or equivalent experience)
- Practical experience in developing food products, ideally in snacking or confectionery.
- Excellent communication skills at technical and commercial levels.
- Strong team player, adaptable to changing priorities.
- Good IT skills and experience with recipe management systems.
- Solid project management and organisational skills.
- Detail-conscious and able to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Rewards Benefits
- 25 days + bank holidays annual leave
- 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
Humdinger’s Sherburn-in-Elmet site is a fast-growing confectionery facility producing over 5,000 tonnes of chocolate and snacking products annually. With advanced technologies including belt coating, button manufacture, drop rolling, and hard panning, the site supports a diverse customer base across retail, third-party, and B2B channels. The site offers a dynamic environment where technical leadership plays a pivotal role in driving quality, compliance, and innovation.
Application & Interview Process
Please apply online via our careers portal by creating an account, uploading your CV, and completing all requested application questions. Following application review, shortlisted candidates will be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team and invited to take part in a two-stage interview process. The first stage will be held online via Microsoft Teams, with successful candidates progressing to an onsite second-stage interview. Zertus UK & Ireland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require any reasonable adjustments or special arrangements during the recruitment process, please let us know at the application stage by speaking with our Talent Acquisition team.
NPD Technologist (6 Month Fixed Term Contract) employer: Zertus UK & Ireland
Zertus UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the confectionery industry. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development, including training and qualifications, alongside competitive benefits such as hybrid working, an annual bonus plan, and a comprehensive healthcare cash plan. Located in Fakenham, our team enjoys a collaborative environment where creativity thrives, making it an ideal place for those looking to build a meaningful career in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Technologist (6 Month Fixed Term Contract)
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We think you need these skills to ace NPD Technologist (6 Month Fixed Term Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Zertus UK & Ireland – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
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Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Zertus UK & Ireland. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
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Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
