Job Description
Senior NPD Technologist
Job Purpose:
The Senior NPD Technologist will play a key role in supporting the development and delivery of the overall NPD strategy. The role involves managing the full product development lifecycle, from concept through to launch, ensuring compliance with technical, quality, and customer requirements. This position also requires working closely with retail customers, particularly for own-label products, while collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of new products into manufacturing processes.
Accountabilities:
* NPD Process Management: Oversees the NPD process, including critical path planning and execution, managing the NPD tracker, and ensuring the successful industrialisation of new products.
* Retailer Collaboration: Works directly with retail customers, ensuring product development aligns with their specifications, especially for own-label ranges. Confidently presents products and benchmarks against market standards.
* Recipe & Process Development: Develops recipes in line with company objectives, optimising processes and suggesting improvements to drive cost efficiencies. Ensures smooth factory handover and monitors production adherence to recipes.
* Technical & Quality Compliance: Manages product specifications, artwork, and associated documentation to ensure compliance with retailer and legislative standards. Maintains databases and ensures accurate records.
* Quality Standards: Creates and implements Quality Attribute Standards (QAS), providing production teams with clear guidelines and training to maintain product consistency.
* Research & Innovation: Conducts research on new raw materials and methods, contributing to innovation and continuous improvement within the product portfolio.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Builds strong relationships with internal teams (e.g., technical, production, and commercial) to align on project goals and ensure efficient communication throughout the NPD process.
* Factory Trials: Coordinates production trials and ensures launch deadlines are met, addressing any challenges during the trial process.
* Continuous Improvement: Actively identifies and implements process improvements within the NPD department to align with the strategic objectives of the business.
Performance Measures:
* Completion of critical path milestones within agreed timelines.
* Achievement of KPIs specific to NPD projects.
* Delivery of high-quality products that meet customer and company standards.
Behaviour and Leadership Attributes:
* Highly motivated and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
* Strong knowledge of recipes, costs, and the wider NPD process.
* Excellent communication skills, with confidence in presenting ideas and building relationships with customers and suppliers.
* A proactive problem-solver with meticulous attention to detail.
* Collaborative team player who demonstrates leadership when required.
Qualifications:
* Degree in Food Science or related discipline.
* Minimum of 3 years’ experience in an NPD role, ideally with exposure to both own-label and branded product development.
* Strong experience working with major retailers, including own-label product development.
* Flexibility to travel and adjust working hours to meet project needs.
Special Circumstances:
* The role may require travel with overnight stays.
* Flexible working hours, including occasional weekend or night shifts, may be necessary.