Are you a passionate foodie with a flair for innovation and ready to take your next big step in product development?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking team as a Senior NPD Technologist, working as part of a well-established business group with significant investment in new machinery and equipment. With strong progression potential and a focus on continuous improvement, this role offers a dynamic environment where your creativity and leadership will be key.

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As a Senior NPD Technologist, you will be responsible for (but not limited to):

• Continuously developing and launching new and improved products in line with business strategy and customer expectations.
• Interpreting retailer briefs to deliver innovative and technically sound concepts that align with operational and commercial constraints.
• Conducting market research to understand trends and consumer needs, identifying opportunities for business growth.
• Developing and reformulating recipes to ensure they are technically and financially feasible while meeting customer standards.
• Completing account-specific documentation such as Sample Submission Forms, NPD Trial Trackers, QAS documents, etc.
• Leading feasibility studies with key stakeholders on new product briefs.
• Reviewing and approving packaging artwork.
• Sourcing high-quality, cost-effective ingredients and supporting Technical in the supplier/ingredient approval process.
• Conducting shelf-life testing and nutritional analysis of new products.
• Creating and validating cooking instructions to ensure food safety and product quality.
• Organising and attending factory trials, documenting and sharing outcomes across the business.
• Applying expert knowledge of thermal processing to support product and trial development.
• Supporting the Technical team with allergen control, HACCP, legislation, and customer policies.
• Preparing for customer meetings and visits, including product samples and refreshment needs.
• Liaising with key stakeholders during first production runs and coordinating cross-functional meetings.
• Responding to sample requests for photography, testing, exhibitions, and awards.
• Conducting handover meetings for product launches across site teams.
• Encouraging blue-sky thinking and pitching well-developed concepts with clear rationale.
• Supporting the kitchen in delivering development and customer samples.
• Reviewing and maintaining internal procedures, policies, and codes of practice.
• Overseeing customer and brand COP compliance.
• Driving improvements in departmental paperwork and processes (e.g. shelf-life tracking, nutritional analysis).
• Supporting team training and development in line with role requirements.
• Attending purchasing/technical meetings and feeding back NPD updates and actions.
• Working with purchasing/technical to monitor palm oil usage and review unique/raw materials for SKU rationalisation.
• Providing mentorship and appraisals for direct reports.
• Deputising for the NPD Manager as needed.
• Maintaining brand integrity in line with business standards and procedures.

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To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in a senior product development role, preferably within chilled or ambient food manufacturing.
• A passion for food and innovation.
• Strong communication and influencing skills across all levels and formats.
• Demonstrated understanding of retailer requirements, industry standards, and technical regulations.
• Technical competence in recipe formulation, shelf-life, thermal processing, and HACCP.
• A full UK driving licence (required for customer visits and store research).
• Excellent organisation, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with strong commercial awareness.
• Degree or HND in a food-based or related manufacturing discipline.

What's In It For You?

• £33,000.00 - £38,000.00
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Investment in new machinery and equipment
• Be part of a large, supportive business group
• In-depth training provided
• A role with autonomy and visible impact

Sound like the next step in your food career?

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Want to learn more?

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ID 184