NPD Technologist

New Product Development Technologist (Bakery & Dessert Products)

Location: South Yorkshire

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum

Benefits: 23 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension (auto-enrolment), free parking, healthcare cashback plan (currently Westfield), and death in service (2x annual salary).

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexibility required)

Overview:

We are looking for an experienced New Product Development (NPD) Technologist with a strong background in bakery and hot desserts to join our team. This role is crucial in managing the technical, food safety, quality, and regulatory aspects of product development. You will lead NPD projects and shoulder significant responsibility allowing the NPD Manager to focus on other strategic initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is proactive and passionate about driving innovation in bakery and dessert products.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management: Lead allocated projects from concept through to post-launch, ensuring all milestones are achieved on time.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with various teams across the business to conduct feasibility studies and clarify project briefs.

Sample Production: Create and assess kitchen samples according to NPD procedures, ensuring compliance with customer codes of practice.

Documentation: Maintain accurate and organised records of all NPD activities, ensuring a clear documented trail.

Stakeholder Engagement: Support meetings on NPD projects, feasibility assessments, and challenges, liaising with relevant site and business functions.

Supplier Coordination: Collaborate with the Buying team to arrange raw materials and ingredients, and work with suppliers to manage costs.

Compliance: Ensure all products meet food regulations and customer requirements throughout each stage of development.

Trial Management: Organise and conduct trials, analyse results, and provide informed recommendations.

Specifications & Standards: Agree on customer specifications with the technical team, write quality standards, and sign off on packaging artwork.

Visitor Engagement: Prepare lunch using our products when visitors are on site, showcasing a keen interest and enthusiasm for trying new things.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or a related field.
• Essential: Experience in a bakery or hot dessert environment.
• Proven experience in a similar NPD role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other relevant software.
• Strong knowledge of food quality standards and factory processes.

Personal Attributes

• Meticulous attention to detail with a methodical approach to work.
• Positive, proactive, and self-motivated with a can-do attitude.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Capable of clearly presenting ideas and collaborating effectively with others.

Flexibility in working hours to ensure trials are conducted with minimal impact on factory operations.

This is a confidential recruitment process, and further details about the company and specific products will be provided during the interview stage. If you are passionate about bakery and dessert product development and are seeking a new challenge, we encourage you to apply.

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