At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of exciting new food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding food manufacturer known for quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Excellent training, supportive team, and exposure to the full NPD lifecycle.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with ambitious plans for the future.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career in food innovation with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; passion for food and innovation required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Are you a food graduate looking to kick‑start your career in New Product Development with a business that is investing heavily in innovation and growth? We're working with an ambitious and rapidly expanding food manufacturer that has built a reputation for quality, creativity and bringing exciting products to market. Following continued growth and investment, the business is looking to strengthen its NPD team with the addition of a Junior NPD Technologist.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a collaborative and supportive environment where you'll gain hands‑on exposure to the full product development process, working alongside experienced professionals who are passionate about food and innovation.
RoleAs a Junior NPD Technologist, you'll support the development of new and existing products from concept through to launch. You'll be involved in a variety of projects, helping to turn innovative ideas into commercially successful products.
Key responsibilities- Supporting product development projects from concept to launch
- Assisting with kitchen trials, product evaluations, and factory trials
- Preparing samples for internal and customer presentations
- Completing product specifications and technical documentation
- Liaising with suppliers and internal departments to ensure projects stay on track
- Conducting benchmarking and market research activities
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the product portfolio
We're keen to hear from graduates or candidates with up to 2 years' experience within food manufacturing who are looking to develop their career in NPD.
- A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related discipline
- A genuine passion for food and innovation
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- A proactive and positive approach to learning
- Good attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects
- Placement year or industry experience within food manufacturing
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Exposure to the full NPD lifecycle
- A supportive team environment
- The opportunity to join a growing business with ambitious plans for the future
Junior NPD Technologist in East Horsley employer: Zest
Join a dynamic and innovative food manufacturer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering excellent training opportunities and hands-on experience in New Product Development. With a collaborative work culture and a commitment to creativity, you'll be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive in your career. This is an exciting chance to work in a rapidly expanding business that is dedicated to bringing quality products to market while fostering a passion for food and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior NPD Technologist in East Horsley
✨Get in the Kitchen!
Don’t just sit behind a screen—roll up your sleeves and get some hands-on experience! Join local food technology workshops or volunteer at community kitchens. This is a fab way to connect with others in the food science scene and show off your skills!
✨Join Foodie Networks
Some awesome opportunities come from getting involved in food science communities, both online and offline. Check out forums and groups like the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) for networking events and meet-ups. It's a solid way to meet folks and find out about job openings that might not be advertised!
✨Leverage University Career Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni, don't forget to tap into your school’s career services. They often have connections with companies looking to hire entry-level talent, plus access to internship listings that could be a golden ticket to your dream job.
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Start a blog or social media account where you explore trends in food science and tech, share reviews of products, or even experiment with recipes! This gives you visibility and makes you memorable to employers like Zest—plus, it shows you’re genuinely passionate about the field!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior NPD Technologist in East Horsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Studies:In the food science and technology field, your educational background is super important. You should definitely highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or research you've done. Make sure your CV pops with anything related to food chemistry, nutrition, or processing techniques. Trust us, it’ll grab their attention!
Share Your Passion for Food Science:In your cover letter, don't just list your qualifications; tell a story! Share why you’re passionate about food science and technology. Maybe you had a lightbulb moment in class or a fun project that sparked your interest. Let Zest know what drives you and how you want to contribute!
Include Hands-on Experience:If you've had any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work related to food science—make sure to include that! Even if it’s just a lab assistant role or helping out at a food tech event, any real-world experience will make you stand out. Employers love seeing that you’ve applied your knowledge in practical ways.
Tailor Your Application Materials:Don't just send out the same CV and cover letter to every application—tailor them for Zest! Research their projects and focus areas in food science and technology, and relate your skills and experiences to what they do. Showing that you understand their mission will make a big difference in an entry-level role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest
✨Know Your Basics
For an entry-level position in food science technology, it’s crucial that we brush up on the fundamentals. Expect questions about food safety standards, nutritional science, and food processing methods. Be ready to discuss any relevant coursework or labs that demonstrate your understanding of these key concepts.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Bringing along a portfolio of any projects you've worked on during your studies can really give you an edge. Whether it's a food product you developed or a research project you contributed to, illustrating your hands-on experience will help Zest see your potential in action, even at an entry-level.
✨Brush Up on Tech Tools
Familiarity with specific software tools like statistical analysis programmes or food safety software will be beneficial. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked about your experience with data analysis. We should be prepared to discuss how you can apply these tools in practical scenarios within food science.
✨Passion for Food Innovation
Since this is an entry-level role, your motivation and passion for food technology will be as important as your knowledge. Be ready to share why you’re excited about the field and what you hope to learn at Zest. Show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to grow in this industry.
