NPD Technologist

Job Title: New Product Development (NPD) Technologist

Company Overview:

Our client is a leading food manufacturer committed to delivering innovative and high-quality food products to consumers worldwide. With a focus on sustainability, health, and taste, we strive to push the boundaries of culinary excellence while meeting the diverse needs of our customers.

Position Overview:

Our client are seeking a talented and passionate New Product Development (NPD) Technologist to join their dynamic team. The NPD Technologist will play a key role in the development of new food products, from concept to commercialisation, ensuring that they meet the company's standards for taste, quality, safety, and profitability.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, culinary, supply chain, and quality assurance to develop innovative food product concepts that align with market trends and consumer preferences.
• Conduct research and stay abreast of industry trends, emerging ingredients, and technologies to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
• Develop and execute bench-top prototypes and pilot-scale batches, optimizing recipes for taste, texture, nutritional profile, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback and refine product formulations accordingly.
• Work closely with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients and ensure consistency in product quality and availability.
• Collaborate with packaging engineers to develop packaging solutions that maintain product freshness and appeal to consumers.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and stability testing to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Document all stages of the product development process, including formulation, testing, and scale-up, in accordance with company protocols.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and project reviews, providing technical expertise and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Support commercialization efforts by assisting with production trials, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring successful product launches.
• Stay informed about food industry regulations and standards, ensuring that all products meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred. Strong understanding of food science principles, ingredient functionality, and food processing techniques.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching new food products, preferably in multiple categories.
• Experience with sensory evaluation techniques and consumer research methodologies.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on quality and continuous improvement. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and product development software/tools. Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality assurance standards