Senior NPD Technologist

Job Title: Senior NPD Technologist
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Type: Permanent // Full Time
Work Hours: 40 Hours per week // 4 x days office based, 1 x day WFH

Overview:

The Flavour Network has partnered with a leading pet food business to find an experienced Senior NPD Technologist to take charge in creating groundbreaking new products. As a Senior NPD Technologist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our offerings and driving the successful development and launch of products that stand out in the market. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned NPD Technologist with a passion for the food industry and a proven track record in product development to lead initiatives from concept to commercialisation. With exciting challenges every day, this role promises to be both rewarding and impactful. As a Senior NPD Technologist, you will lead market research, manage cross-functional collaborations, develop new product recipes, design testing programs, and stay ahead of industry trends to foster continuous innovation. If you're a hands-on, proactive individual with a passion for pet nutrition, this is the perfect opportunity to make a lasting impact!

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct market research to analyse trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities, using insights to shape product innovation strategies.
2. Collaborate with marketing, procurement, production, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless product development and on-time launches.
3. Oversee the development of new product recipes, focusing on ingredient functionality, cost-efficiency, and nutritional standards.
4. Design and manage product testing programs, including sensory analysis, shelf-life testing, and compliance checks.
5. Ensure product specifications are accurate, maintaining adherence to regulatory and quality standards.
6. Coordinate and lead product trials, working closely with both in-house teams and external partners.
7. Stay ahead of industry trends, exploring new ingredients and technologies to drive continuous innovation.
8. Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during the development process to ensure smooth progression at every stage.

Requirements:

1. A bachelor's or master's degree in food science, manufacturing, or a related discipline.
2. Proven experience of at least 4 years in food manufacturing or product development, ideally within NPD roles.
3. A genuine passion for innovation in food and nutrition, particularly within the pet food sector.
4. Strong knowledge of food science, nutrition, and food product regulatory requirements.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, with advanced skills in Excel and Sheets.
6. Strong problem-solving capabilities and a hands-on, proactive approach.
7. Demonstrated success in leading NPD projects from concept through to market launch.
8. Excellent leadership and team collaboration skills, working effectively across cross-functional teams.