NPD Technologist

Objective:-

• Reporting into the NPD Manager, the NPD Technician will work to generate product samples and take part in generating concepts in line with NPD development briefs for retail, food service and manufacturing customers across both sites.

• Additionally, you will support the EPD & Technical function onsite in Continuous Improvement Projects.

• The ideal candidate will have a food sciences background with good attention to detail capable of completing the work load while working in a dynamic, busy environment. You will be confident in your ability to communicate with customers and have a proven ability to work well within a team to achieve desired outcomes.

NPD Technologist

• To be responsible for sending product samples to clients.
• Formulate product concepts in line with specific briefs, ensuring factory capabilities are considered at all times.
• Present NPD presentations and taste panels for visiting customers.
• Assist the NPD Managers with all development briefs.
• Continuous  EPD on existing lines.
• Identifying market gaps via competitor analysis through bench marking.
• Completing cooking validations complying with legislations.
• Co-ordinate organoleptic & microbiological trials.
• Be involved in upscaling kitchen samples to factory trials and into production.
• To attend meetings as and when required.
• Complete Technical paperwork for use in production facilities.
• Be committed to providing continuous improvements at all times.

• To ensure good hygiene standards are met within the department.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Take responsibility of own Health & Safety and others that may be effected by your actions
• Liaise with production in planning and running trials.

Continuous Improvement:

• Bring a strong knowledge and experience base to the business and communicate ideas and suggestions about workplace improvements.
• Existing Product Development – monitor and trend product quality, ingredient substitution, cooking validations to improve existing products. Work directly with production to understand the process and aim to make improvements.
• Shelf life Extension – working with Technical, Production and Procurement Teams to actively investigate each stage of the process to problem solve and improve shelf life of the raw materials/end products.
• Work directly with NPD/Technical/Production to implement, monitor and record trials to improve WB processes and products – including increase efficiencies, profitability, reduce labour, and increase yield.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement to ensure operational efficiencies.
• Ensuring engagement and consultation with other team members, seek the involvement of and suggestions from other team members as appropriate, review suggestions or issues raised and provide feedback as necessary.
• Support and co-operate with any related changes identified and implement these changes within the Department or as appropriate.

Internal Documentation:

Assist in the completion of product specifications:

• Internal & customer specifications
• Completion of internal QAS documents.
• Working closely with the NPD team reviewing amending and approving new artworks to ensure this meets customer standards and internal specifications. 
• Working closely with the NPD and Technical teams to ensure that the nutritional analysis, shelf life studies and organoleptic trials are completed prior to product launches.
• Aiding in the maintenance of supplier approval databases.
• Aiding in internal and customer compliance audits.

Problem Solving & Decision Making:

• Make timely, effective decisions, at a level appropriate to the role, using all of the information available, seeking advice as necessary, and using initiative to diagnose and overcome technical issues.

Audit, Compliance, Quality and Health and Safety

• Ensure effective audit systems are in place to secure and retain certifications and on-going customer requirements.
• Ensure the organisation discharges its legal and compliance obligations and that the company continues to evolve in line with changing requirements, legislative compliance and best practice.
• Ensure compliance to GDPR at all times and that appropriate training and procedures are in place to minimize risk, maximise data security and to handle any actual or potential breach.

Self-Development:

• All staff is responsible for identifying their own job-related training and development needs, and for raising these needs through the appropriate channels, that is, by speaking to their immediate Manager or through Performance Appraisal / Personal Development Plan opportunities.

Other

As and when considered necessary or appropriate the post-holder must be prepared to transfer to or undertake other duties in order to meet fluctuations or priorities in work demands at their immediate Manager’s discretion within reason and competence. This job description may be subject to change in accordance with changing customer requirements or business needs.  The post-holder is expected to co-operate with such changes to support the continued success of the business.

Application process

To apply please send a CV demonstrating how you meet the required criteria for job success.

Working Hours are Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm. Additional hours may be required to meet deadlines or customer requests but will be agreed to in advance.

Email:    recruitment@willowbrookfoods.co.uk , tanya@willowbrookfoods.co.uk