Job Purpose

• Responsible for the development of new and existing products
• Progressing multiple projects through the NPD system from brief to launch
• Drive continuous improvement by being attuned to ongoing developments with new raw materials and processes, competitor activity and market trends, in the associated categories.
• To monitor final product costs throughout the development process and advise of any deviation whilst agreeing corrective action as appropriate

Accountabilities

• Working with our Development Chefs to develop new concepts aligned to customer briefs and through blue sky developments, ensuring at all times that these meet customer and business requirements.
• A demonstrable understanding of business requirements in terms of margin and budgets alongside those of our customer
• Liaison with the buying team and suppliers to ensure that raw materials are ordered in a timely fashion for sample making and creative development as well as evaluating new raw materials.
• Presenting to customers both on and off site.
• Supporting in initial factory trials as appropriate and assisting the Process Technologist in the translation of kitchen methods and assembly into a suitable factory process (where applicable).
• Following product approval, ensure all relevant departments have the necessary information to complete the customer requirements for launch critical path.
• Collate information from all practical work interpreting and feeding back any relevant results to the Product Manager for possible product amendment or discussion with the customer.
• Working closely with the process development team to generate recipes that are fit for factory purpose.
• Provides a tangible input into the on-going improvement of product quality of existing dishes as part of the Development team.
• Has awareness of comparative products from all the major retailers and other food outlets and demonstrates this knowledge during product presentations internally and with the customer.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• NPD professional with a degree in Food Science or related discipline
• Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in manufacturing preferably chilled.
• A strong understanding of new product development and manufacturing processes, and problem solving abilities, who can think outside the box whilst under pressure.
• Passionate foodie with an impressive working knowledge of the NPD processes
• Creative and confident in presenting new products
• Outgoing, passionate with a high degree or self-motivation