Job Title: R&D Technologist (Graduate)
Department: NPD
Reports To: NPD Manager
About Us
Killowen Farm is a family business based in Co. Wexford. Renowned for its creamy taste, Killowen Farm yogurt combines the freshest milk from the Dunne family’s own dairy herd with the highest quality fruit, sourced from local growers.
Known primarily for its premium layered and stirred fruit yogurts, Killowen Farm has also recently added a range of award-winning Cream Cheese products to its range.
At Killowen Farm, our people are family. We foster a supportive and collaborative working environment where employees are respected, trained, and encouraged to develop their skills. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow with us.
Purpose: As an NPI (New Product Introduction) Technologist your role will require bridging the gap between R&D and commercial manufacturing, ensuring new products are scalable, compliant, and robust. The successful candidate will manage factory trials, product specifications, and quality standards from design to launch.
Responsibilities
The main responsibilities are outlined below, although this is not a limiting list and may be changed/added depending on the needs/manager's instructions:
Duties & Responsibilities:
· Leading factory trials, validating recipes/processes, and supporting full-scale production launches.
· Maintaining ingredient specifications, nutritional data, and ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
· Working with R&D, operations, engineers, procurement, and quality teams to ensure seamless product transfer.
· Managing product sampling, shelf-life testing, sensory evaluation, and packaging trials.
· Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability, scalability, and efficiency.
· Diagnosing minor process problems, suggesting solutions, and identifying ways to enhance efficiency and productivity.
· Deliver against agreed product development KPIs.
· Strong project management skills to manage product development from concept to launch.
· Review and approve artwork for both branded and private label products.
· Liaise with suppliers and Procurement to source raw materials needed for development and trials and ensure all new materials arrive to site in line with launch timelines.
Candidate requirements:
- 3rd level award in food science, food technology or related discipline
- Enthusiastic, committed, self-starter, eager to learn with a can-do attitude
· Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a cross functional team
- Creative problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
- Ability to multi-task on a large variety of tasks
What We Offer:
· Competitive salary and benefits package.
· Opportunities for professional growth and development.
· A supportive team environment within a growing and dynamic business.
Pay: €29,999.00-€30,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Enniscorthy, County Wexford: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
