NPD Technologist

The NPD Technologist will be responsible for supporting the Junior NPD Manager on the concept delivery of all NPD and EPD briefs through Scope and Develop Gates and the management of the gated NPD Process from concept to launch. This involves collaborating with key stake holders/head of departments to make sure that all developed products are commercially viable and technically safe & able to be processed and meet the customer/consumer needs.

• Work with the category & Commercial teams to Innovate new products and processes to maintain and grow a creative catalogue of products for the required customer base.
• All newly developed products to deliver the required margin for our customers and the business.
• Understand the wants and needs of both internal and external customers.
• Present facts and ideas clearly and accurately to customers in a supporting role.
• Overall awareness of comparative products from all major retailers, through regular benchmarking sessions were the findings are collated and feedback to the wider business teams.
• Manage the workload of multiple customers and prioritising requirements with guidance from the Senior NPD manager on critical path creation and meeting the required Key dates in the process.
• Work collaboratively with Technical and Production to ensure product quality of new and existing products for the customers that they are responsible for, feedbacks any positives and negatives to both Production / Technical as well as the category team and the customer as required.
• Ensure accurate records are available for accessing and viewing by relevant personnel, all folders need to be audit ready at any time through regular assessment of the information and were it is stored within the customer folders.
• Maintaining a hygienic and tidy environment in the Test kitchen, through allergen control clear labelling of products with BB & Use By Dates.

Must Have:

• Good knowledge of the meat industry and Ready to Cook market
• Demonstrates a passion for food and a sense of creativity and flair
• Has a good understanding of Food trends, and different types of food cuisines

Preferred:

• Experience of working in a food manufacturing industry

Must Have:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Strong presenter
• Good organisational skills

Preferred:

• Understanding of factory processes within the meat industry
• Computer skills