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Product Development Technologist

Employer
RM Curtis Ltd
Location
Halstead, Essex
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
10 Jun 2019

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Contract Type
Permanent
Function
Development, Technical
Business Sector
Food Manufacturing

Job Details

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIST

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:

  • To contribute to product development from concept to launch in line with an agreed brief and critical path.
  • Develop products which have clear reasons to believe, are delicious and take on board any relevant trends to ensure that they exceed expectations. 
  • Input product knowledge and customer insight within category team to ensure product development is aligned with all key customer requirements and meets financial measurements.
  • Build and maintain customer relationships acting as the supporting contact to provide accurate and consistent communication internally and externally whilst identifying and resolving issues promptly. To display a confident and knowledgeable manner in order to engage with customers.
  • Actively support the delivery of the innovation plan by working closely with the Product Developer and team.

 

KEY TASKS:

  • Support and/or lead as appropriate, the project management of NPD/EPD/NPV briefs from concept to launch with a right first time approach (including sample submissions and sample amendments, customer presentations, critical path, launch matrix, trials, artwork and packaging development process, manufacturing and palletisation guidelines, post implementation reviews)
  • Lead tasting panels either internally or externally to the standard required whilst being the authority on the products being presented. Ensure all tasting notes, actions and next stages are recorded and issued accordingly.
  • Continuously develops their knowledge of fruit, nut and seed markets including product knowledge on eating quality, specifications, price, countries of origin, varieties and sustainability.
  • Leads factory trials for new products to ensure that products are only progressed where truly feasible without risk to product integrity, technical standards and commercial viability. Builds a strong relationship with the factory and technical teams.
  • Understands the factory kit, process and limitations to ensure that they are considered within all new products and packaging. Highlighting any risks to ensure that they are managed or mitigated.
  • Source and verify the feasibility of new raw materials within RM Curtis specifications and approved suppliers clearly understanding allergen and MOQ considerations.
  • Brief suppliers and closely work with them in order to meet briefs. Coordinate suppliers’ meetings for showcasing product portfolio and contributions to innovation.
  • Keep assigned market benchmarking documents up to date and accurate highlight any new launches, products or re-designs to the business in a timely manner. Be the expert and go to for your areas.
  • To be aware of and continuously develop understanding of trends, consumer behaviours, insight and new opportunities which may present business opportunities for RM Curtis brands or customers. On a need by need basis, keep up to date with new launches through regular competitor shopping or directional shopping either on line or in person.
  • Understand and know who key centres of excellence are for the manufacturing customers to ensure we stay ahead of the trends and can inspire them where possible.
  • Develop basic understanding of packaging to include cutters, printing processes, substrates and design files.
  • Support or lead specific business innovation projects when requested for either customer specific or branded products.
  • To maintain the standards for product safety, legality, traceability, quality, hygiene and housekeeping requirements.
  • Role involves liaising with all departments including Marketing, Accounts, Technical, Quality, Sales, Engineering, Procurement, Transport and Distribution, Planning and Warehousing.
  • Liaise with the Marketing team and contribute to the publishing of product info bulletins. Take ownership of specific topics such as health and wellbeing, nutritional benefits and food science.
  • Assisting other members of the NPD team with NPD or EPD projects when required
  • Assisting the Marketing team during brand development
  • Any other duties requested by a Manager or Director

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

  • Ability to work autonomously and with a team;
  • Ability to deal with a complexity of products, projects and customers
  • Computer literate across Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Customer facing - to display a confident and knowledgeable manner in order to engage with customers
  • Basic culinary knowledge of flavours, flavour pairings and how to make delicious products
  • Ideally having some background in technical/quality/NPD sales
  • Understanding health/nutritional/dietary benefits of products to be suggested or presented to the customer.
  • Project management skills; flexible to travel and attend launches outside normal office hours
  • Experience in a similar role within a food/ beverages manufacture environment
  • Preferably a Food science/technology/nutrition, Product design Graduate or a foodie / passionate cook with Chef background or experience

Company

RM Curtis & Co Ltd is a major UK producer and importer of dried fruits, nuts and seeds.  Our in-house and partner company brands include Snacking Essentials and Eat Natural giving us the additional benefits of insight and a closer connection to our end consumers.

As a group we have been importing products into the UK for over 160 years. More recently we have made significant investment in our UK manufacturing facilities, giving us the capability to produce the highest quality products.  Specialists in fast moving consumer goods, we have driven strong double digit growth in the past decade, supplying key customers in the multiple retail, discount, wholesale, foodservice, on-trade and cash and carry sectors of the UK food industry.  We also supply in packaging that can be tailored to customer requirements and look after storage and delivery, from our BRC accredited facilities in Halstead.

As a result of our continuing growth and expansion we are currently seeking a permanent New Product Development Manager to join our team.

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