At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting food product development projects from concept to launch in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Established food manufacturing business focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pension, 31 days' holiday, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in food innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science and 3+ years in product development or NPD.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established and growing food manufacturing business looking to appoint an experienced Senior Product Development Technologist to join their innovation team. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded product developer who enjoys taking ownership of projects from concept through to launch and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Reporting into the NPD Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the company's innovation strategy, managing customer development projects and ensuring products are developed to meet commercial objectives, quality standards and customer expectations. The role offers a blend of hands-on product development, project management and team leadership, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their NPD career.
Working closely with Commercial, Technical, Process and Production teams, you will lead development projects from initial brief through to successful launch. This will involve creating and refining recipes, producing customer samples, sourcing ingredients, managing costings and ensuring products are scalable and suitable for manufacture. You will also be responsible for monitoring project timelines, coordinating key stakeholders and ensuring development activities are delivered within agreed budgets and timescales.
As a senior member of the team, you will provide support and guidance to junior development colleagues, helping to ensure a seamless transition from kitchen development into factory production. You will also deputise for the NPD Manager when required, contributing to team leadership and helping to drive continuous improvement across the development function.
The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Food Science or a related discipline and have at least three years' experience within a product development or NPD role. You will possess strong project management and organisational skills, coupled with a genuine passion for food innovation and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Excellent communication skills are essential, as the role requires close collaboration with internal teams and customer-facing stakeholders. Candidates should be highly motivated, detail-oriented and comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously within a dynamic environment.
In return, our client offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. This includes an enhanced pension scheme, 31 days' holiday including public holidays and Christmas shutdown period. Additional benefits include a holiday buy and sell scheme allowing employees to buy or sell additional leave each year.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful business that continues to invest in innovation, people and long-term growth, offering genuine career development opportunities within a collaborative and supportive environment.
Senior NPD Technologist in Slough employer: Zest Food Jobs
Join a well-established and growing food manufacturing business that prioritises innovation and employee development. As a Senior NPD Technologist, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values your expertise and offers a competitive salary alongside an excellent benefits package, including an enhanced pension scheme and generous holiday allowances. This role not only allows you to take ownership of exciting projects but also provides ample opportunities for career growth within a supportive team culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior NPD Technologist in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant online communities or forums. Share your insights, ask questions, and engage with others in the NPD space. This not only boosts your visibility but also helps you stay updated on industry trends.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to product development and project management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of exciting roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and makes it easier for us to find your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior NPD Technologist in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior NPD Technologist role. Highlight your project management experience and any hands-on product development you've done, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about food innovation and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills:Since you'll be guiding junior colleagues, it's important to demonstrate your leadership abilities in your application. Share examples of how you've supported others in their development or led projects successfully.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food science knowledge and product development processes. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that involved taking a product from concept to launch. This will show your potential employer that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications in previous roles. Highlight any tools or methodologies you’ve used to keep projects on track. This is crucial as the role involves coordinating multiple teams and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation
Be ready to talk about the latest trends in food innovation and how you’ve applied them in your work. Share your thoughts on what makes a successful product in today’s market. This will help convey your enthusiasm and commitment to driving the company’s innovation strategy.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their current projects, team dynamics, or how they measure success in product development. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and eager to contribute to their goals.
