NPD Senior Technologist | Job in Gloucestershire

Welcome to an exciting opportunity within our dynamic New Product Development (NPD) team! As a Senior Technologist, you will play a pivotal role in the innovation and delivery of high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. This position is based in the vibrant South West region offering a unique blend of coastal beauty and bustling urban life. You will be joining a forward-thinking organisation with a strong commitment to sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction. In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage complex NPD projects from concept generation through to launch, ensuring alignment with business objectives and strategic plans.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and sales, to develop innovative product solutions that deliver on quality, functionality, and consumer appeal.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and competitor analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges in the food or beverage industry, ensuring our products remain competitive and relevant.
• Oversee the development of new recipes, formulations, and production processes, ensuring they meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and environmental sustainability targets.
• Manage supplier relationships, driving continuous improvement in product quality, cost efficiency, and innovation.
• Lead technical troubleshooting efforts, resolving any issues that may arise during the NPD process or in production.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior technologists within the team, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement. To be successful in this role, you will possess:
• A degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field with a strong background in food technology, product development, and innovation.
• Proven experience leading NPD projects within the food or beverage industry, preferably at a senior level.
• Excellent understanding of regulatory requirements for food production, including HACCP, BRC, and relevant local regulations.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor team members, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and make strategic decisions based on data and insights.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to liaise effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• A passion for food and innovation, combined with a strong commitment to sustainability and quality in all aspects of product development. If you're ready to take your career to the next level, join our team as a Senior Technologist in the South West! We look forward to your application and the opportunity to discuss this exciting role further.

Role Overview

In this dynamic and challenging role within our R&D team, you will be responsible for leading the development of new food and beverage products that align with our company's strategic vision. The NPD (New Product Development) Senior Technologist is a pivotal member of our product innovation team, contributing significantly to our growth and market success.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• *Product Development:

Oversee the end-to-end development process of new food and beverage products from concept through launch, ensuring technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency.

• *Technical Expertise:

Demonstrate a deep understanding of product formulation, processing techniques, and quality standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions that meet customer needs and market trends.

• *Project Management:

Lead multiple projects simultaneously, managing timelines, resources, and budgets effectively to ensure project success.

• *Supplier Relationship Management:

Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers, ensuring product specifications, quality standards, and lead times are met.

• *Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure all products comply with relevant regulations and standards, both domestically and internationally.

• *Continuous Improvement:

Continuously improve our product development process through the implementation of best practices, leveraging technological advancements, and fostering a culture of innovation within the team.

*Qualifications: *

• A bachelor's or master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field is required. Experience in the food and beverage industry is preferred.
• Proven leadership experience in NPD roles with a track record of successfully bringing products to market.
• Strong technical knowledge of food processing, formulation, and quality control.
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels within the organization.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to resolving challenges that may arise during product development. Join our team as an NPD Senior Technologist and contribute to the creation of innovative, high-quality food and beverage products that delight customers worldwide. Together we can shape the future of our industry and make a meaningful impact on people's lives.

Qualifications and Skills

*Qualifications and Skills *

As a

*NPD Senior Technologist *

, you will be joining an innovative and dynamic team at our organisation where the development of new products is at the heart of our business strategy. The successful candidate for this role will bring a wealth of experience in food product development, combined with technical expertise to drive the success of our New Product Development (NPD) projects.

*Key Qualifications: *

• *Degree in Food Science or related field

• : A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is essential for this role. Relevant postgraduate qualifications, such as a Master's in Food Science, are highly desirable.

• *Experience in NPD

• : You will have at least 7 years of experience working in New Product Development within the food industry. This experience should include managing projects from concept through to launch and beyond, working closely with cross-functional teams and external partners.

• *Technical Skills

• : A strong understanding of product development processes, food legislation, and quality assurance is crucial. You will be proficient in using technical software for recipe development, sensory evaluation, and other NPD tasks.

• *Leadership

• : As a Senior Technologist, you will lead and mentor junior members of the team. Excellent communication skills are essential to inspire confidence and motivate your colleagues.

• *Innovation and Creativity

• : You will be responsible for driving product innovation within our organisation. This requires a creative mindset, the ability to think outside the box, and a deep understanding of market trends and consumer preferences.

• *Problem-Solving Skills

• : Our NPD Senior Technologist must be able to tackle complex challenges head-on, using both analytical skills and practical experience to find solutions.

• *Resilience

• : The food industry can be fast-paced and demanding. A robust work ethic, the ability to adapt to change, and a resilient nature are vital for this role. In return, our organisation offers competitive remuneration, excellent opportunities for professional development, and a supportive and inclusive working environment. If you are passionate about food, innovation, and collaboration we would love to hear from you!

Applicant Profile

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior NPD Technologist position within your organization, as advertised. With a robust background in New Product Development (NPD) and a proven track record of delivering high-quality products on time and within budget, I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team. With over 10 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, I have honed my skills in NPD, product development, and process optimization. My expertise lies in translating consumer insights into marketable products, managing projects from ideation to commercialization, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

• *New Product Development (NPD)

• : I have a proven ability to lead and manage NPD projects from concept to launch. I am skilled at conducting market research, identifying consumer trends, and developing innovative products that meet these needs.

• *Process Optimization

• : I have extensive experience in process optimization, leveraging lean manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity.

• *Regulatory Compliance

• : I am proficient in understanding and adhering to all relevant food safety regulations. I have a strong track record of ensuring compliance throughout the product development lifecycle.

• *Project Management

• : I excel at managing complex projects, prioritizing tasks effectively, and meeting deadlines consistently. I am adept at working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and managing stakeholder expectations.

• *Leadership

• : I have a proven ability to lead and motivate teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment. I am committed to supporting the growth and development of my colleagues. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills would contribute to the success of your organization. Sincerely,

Daily Responsibilities

In this dynamic and challenging role as a Senior New Product Development (NPD) Technologist within our innovative organization, you will be responsible for driving the successful development of new products from concept to commercialization.

• *Product Development:

Lead and coordinate product development projects, working closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, engineering, marketing, and supply chain. Ensure that new product ideas align with market trends and consumer needs.

• *Technical Leadership:

Provide technical leadership for the NPD team, guiding them in the design, development, testing, and commercialization of new products. Ensure that products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

• *Project Management:

Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, prioritizing resources effectively to ensure timely delivery and minimal resource waste.

• *Technical Support:

Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to source materials and components for new products. Conduct product trials and troubleshoot issues that arise during the development process.

• *Market Analysis:

Stay abreast of market trends, competitors' products, and consumer preferences. Use this knowledge to inform product design decisions and ensure our offerings remain competitive.

• *Quality Assurance:

Implement quality control procedures to ensure the highest standards of product quality. Investigate and resolve customer complaints related to product quality or performance.

• *Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure that all new products comply with relevant regulatory requirements, including food safety regulations and labeling laws.

• *Continuous Improvement:

Identify opportunities for process improvement within the NPD function and implement changes to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

• *Collaboration:

Foster a collaborative environment within the NPD team and across functions, encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing.

• *Training and Development:

Provide guidance and mentorship to junior technologists, helping them develop their skills and contribute effectively to the team. By excelling in these responsibilities, you will play a crucial role in driving our organization's growth and innovation, helping us bring exceptional new products to market that delight our customers.

Responsibilities Overview

In this exciting role as an NPD Senior Technologist within our dynamic team, you will play a pivotal part in delivering innovative and market-leading food products that delight our customers.

*Product Development & Innovation (60%) *

• Lead the development and launch of new food products from concept to commercialization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Marketing, Procurement, and Operations, to ensure product success.
• Conduct feasibility studies, including product testing and optimization, to drive product performance and quality improvements.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, customer preferences, and competitive offerings to inform and enrich the new product development process.
• Develop and implement strategies for continuous improvement in our existing product portfolio.

*Technical Support & Expertise (30%) *

• Provide technical guidance and support to the NPD team, ensuring adherence to quality standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to source high-quality ingredients, ensure accurate specifications, and maintain strong relationships.
• Conduct and oversee product trials, troubleshoot technical issues, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Write and update product specifications, recipes, instructions, and other documentation as needed.
• Act as a subject matter expert in food science, technology, and regulations within the organization.

*Project Management & Leadership (10%) *

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines and budgets.
• Mentor junior team members, providing guidance on technical matters, project management skills, and career development.
• Participate in cross-functional projects as needed offering expertise and leadership where necessary.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality work and drive business results.
• Represent the organization at relevant industry events, conferences, and forums, sharing knowledge and networking with peers.

Organization Info

*About Us *

We are a dynamic and innovative organization based in the South West region, specializing in the Food & Beverage industry. Our team is dedicated to creating high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of our consumers. We prioritize innovation, sustainability, and excellence in everything we do.

*Role Overview *

As a key member of our New Product Development (NPD) team, the Senior Technologist will play a pivotal role in driving the creation and launch of new product ideas that align with our strategic objectives. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, creative thinking, and strong leadership skills.

*Responsibilities *

• Lead and manage the development of new products from concept to commercialization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, Marketing, and Operations to ensure product specifications are met.
• Conduct extensive research and analyze market trends to identify opportunities for new product development.
• Develop and optimize recipes, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Manage and interpret sensory data to improve product taste, texture, and overall consumer experience.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, technology, and best practices in NPD.
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams and external partners.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing our NPD processes.

*Qualifications *

• Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related field with a focus on food technology.
• Proven experience in a similar role within the Food & Beverage industry, ideally in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Strong understanding of food processing, formulation, and sensory evaluation.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to think creatively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships across the organization.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Familiarity with market research methodologies and trend analysis.

*Why Join Us? *

Join our team and be part of a dynamic and innovative organization that values its employees. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. If you are passionate about food, innovation, and making a difference we would love to hear from you!