Purpose
Develop and document new/revised product formulas and processes based on market demand, business and customer requirements. Source new packaging and introduce new packaging according to pre-determined process.
Source and investigate new technologies that may have potential application for existing or future products. Assist in sourcing equipment, packaging trials and developing manufacturing processes for new products.
This product development role is to ensure that new products & any changes to existing products are introduced to the factory in an efficient & timely manner & meets all relevant quality, safety, legal and customer requirements. As Product Technologist you will be responsible for driving your projects through the business.
Performance
- Work closely NPD Colleagues and customers to deliver on innovation & NPD / EPD / NPI which brings a competitive advantage to our business
- Be the key contact for suppliers – complete product/ingredient briefs as directed by the Head of Department
- Working closely with the NPD team to source ingredients & packaging for new &/or existing products
- Support the NPD project managers when required with product / range briefs, sample assessments and associated reports.
- Manage the relevant processes for your customers/projects from concept through to launch & post launch by using critical paths & liaising with cross functional teams.
- Assist and where required drive new packaging sourcing and trials depending on business need
- Co-ordinate, prepare and manage samples for internal tastings / business projects as directed by the Head of Department
- Conducting product & factory trials, managing scale up trials and first production runs
- Support training of QA and Production Staff on new product introductions or changes to existing products
- Participation in benchmarking, and involvement in Customer / Quality audits as required
- Represent the customer needs within our organisation “Eyes, Ears & Voice of the customer”
- Flexibility in working hours will, on occasion, be required to ensure alignment on best practices with multiple processing shifts and customer requirements
- Other duties as required in consultation with Head of Department
Compliance
- Comply with relevant company policies, procedures and practices
- Support the training out of new products and processes as required
- Meet all customer & internal quality standards
- Involvement in Customer / Quality audits / visits as required
- Comply with company reporting needs
People
- Behave in a manner that supports and demonstrates Company values, Challenge, Sense of Urgency & Openness
- Willingness to integrate into an established NPD team
Experience
Experience of working in a fast-paced factory environment.
Experience in running meetings and tasting sessions, and product presentations.
Educational Qualifications
A qualification in food science/technology or related discipline is expected or generous experience working in food manufacturing.
Good culinary understanding & capabilities.
Sensory Analysis training would be a distinct advantage.
Competencies
- Promotes confidence and positive attitude through honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
- Builds and maintains relationships with others at all levels to develop mutually beneficial outcomes. Uses diplomacy, tact, and interpersonal skills to support others.
- Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts in a manner that will constructively persuade, convince, and influence others.
- Demonstrates effective use of listening and questioning skills while displaying openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
- The ability to make informed, effective, and timely decisions in a manner that is collaborative and inclusive of internal and external customer needs.
- The ability to understand and consider the NPD departments long-term vision and objectives when carrying out week-to-week activities.
- Communicates ideas and information in an engaging manner.
- Works co-operatively with others and builds relationships within and outside of the organisation.
Skills
- Good culinary skills, deep understanding of food manufacturing
- Excellent organisational and communication skills, both written and verbally with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise and deliver against deadlines.
- Self-motivated and able to act on own initiative.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Logical and methodical thinker.
- Problem solving and analytical skills, with good attention to detail is required.
- Flexible and resilient approach and keen to learn.
- Demonstrates Integrity, Trust and Accountability
Key Performance Indicator
- Working as part of the NPD function to deliver on agreed team targets
- Individual targets will be determined at time of hire