Senior NPD Technologist - Biscuits

The Rowan Organisation; Winsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based food innovation company is looking for a Senior NPD Technologist based in Winsford. The role involves managing the NPD process, ensuring compliance, and enhancing customer relationships. An ideal candidate will possess a food science degree, over 5 years of experience, and a strong understanding of the product development cycle, particularly in the bread industry. Strong project management and communication skills are also essential. This position promises a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Food science Degree or equivalent in a technical discipline.
• Development Technologist experience of over 5 years.
• Good level of technical expertise in food processes, especially in the bread industry.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and working on plant and equipment.
• Knowledge of the product development cycle and QMS internal procedures.
• Awareness of Food Labelling, Product Specifications and Nutritional information.
• Project Management skills across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Attention to detail and ability to complete projects.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to lead and influence peers.

Responsibilities

• Manage the NPD process to deliver products exceeding customer expectations.
• Develop concepts for both EPD and NPD projects.
• Nurture strong customer relationships to support NPD programs.
• Oversee product trials and ensure compliance with policies.
• Support the operations with troubleshooting and cost engineering.

Skills

Food science knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Technical expertise in food processes

Collaborative work style

Education

Food science Degree or equivalent

Tools

NPD systems/processes

Job description

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity to join our NPD Team, as a Senior NPD Technologist, based in Winsford

Job Purpose

To work cross functionally with project managing the NPD process to deliver EPD and NPD to exceed both internal customers and external customers expectation. Interface with customers (internal & external) to take products through concept to launch ensuring compliance with policies and procedures throughout stage gate process.

What you will contribute

• Maintain the NPD process and documentation for both brand and non brand. Lead and support all Biscuit projects
• Support the team – be a true foody – aware of trends from insight and competitors and be commercially aware around influences in market beyond just the bakery category
• Carryout concept development for both EPD and true NPD projects – support thelonger terminnovation pipelineprogramme
• Nurture strong customer relationships understanding the end user/consumer to ensure pro-active NPD/EPDprogrammesto deliver the Channel & Customer Strategy – visit customers as required
• Work closely with the costing process to ensure new products meet both customer and internal targets
• Work alongside strategic supplier’s resources to support NPD projects and act as specialist knowledge resource to support the team
• Lead and Manage product trials
• Follow the Product Development procedure and remain compliant with both BRC and Customer specific policies at all times– work closely with Technical colleagues around allergens/HACCP
• Provide trouble shooting support to the Operations including assistance with harvest transition, cost engineering projects

What you will bring

• Food science Degree or equivalent in technical discipline
• Development Technologist experience > 5 years
• Good level of technical expertise in food processes – essential bread industry experience, good understanding of manufacturing processes & confidence when working on plant and equipment
• Good level of knowledge of the product development cycle, including all aspects of QMS internal procedure and experience of Top 4 retailer NPD systems/processes
• Awareness of Food Labelling, Product Specifications, Nutritional information, Raw material specifications and packaging
• Project Management skills across multi-disciplinary teams including Risk analysis/mitigation, ability to coordinate to achieve critical path deadlines competently
• Awareness of external developments in Food Science, Technology, Sensory Science, Legislation related to food/materials
• Collaborative work style, team player and good attention to detail. Completer finisher ensuring all elements of a project are completed
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. Flexible and agile in approach
• A willingness to lead with the ability to influence peers and at level above