Job Description
Job title: NPD Technologist
Industry: FMCG
Product: Food
Location: Bantry
The successful candidate will join a dynamic team that develops branded and private-label products for the Irish & European retail market. The role involves working closely with the Technical, Production, and Market & Sales departments to launch high-quality, added-value products. Working with a team of technical & commercial professionals, you will get involved in the latest innovation projects, ensuring new products are technically safe and legal with the correct specifications. To succeed in this role, you will need a culinary arts/food technology/science background and be able to apply your knowledge in a commercial setting.
Key responsibilities of the role include
* Ensuring all new products are consistently delivered for the consumer while meeting the agreed standards for the product.
* To take the lead on Research projects through the Research & Innovation process from concept to Launch, working cross-functionally to deliver innovation and renovation projects.
* To take the lead and assist on R&D/NPD & EPD projects through the product development process from concept to Launch, working cross-functionally to deliver innovation and renovation projects.
* Ensuring 100% compliance with all policies and legislation
* Coordinate the day-to-day product development process of line extension and brand pack-resizing projects from project brief, right through to launch.
* Monitoring compliance with the stage gate product development process and implementing Lean NPD techniques.
* Ensuring that the Process and Product are protected and continuously improved.
* Developing a clear and concise understanding of the business priorities and playing a vital part in delivering the guiding principle of lowest cost
* Liaising with Directors, Heads of Departments, and Key Account Retail Customers and delivering Product development projects at Stakeholder meetings.
The ideal candidate will have:
* A master’s or bachelor’s degree in food technology, Food Science
* 2-3 years of experience in Product Development/Research & Development or a transferable role such as Quality/ Technical Teams.
* Project management and planning & ability to handle a varied and busy workload. Efficient Time Preparation and Organisation. Clear and efficient project management skills with minimal discussion.
* Research Skills, e.g., Literature Review, Development of Hypothesis, Technical report writing, Development & Execution of Investigations with the ability to identify experimental design necessary to achieve project objectives.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to update and report results concisely. Excellent computer skills in Excel, MS Word, and PowerPoint.
* The ability to work individually, as well as part of a large, cross-functional team. Ability to work under pressure to ensure deadlines are met.
* Outstanding attention to detail
* Good knowledge of food and the latest innovations.
Functional hands-on experience in:
* Good knowledge of Food Quality systems e.g., BRC Standard, HACCP systems, Allergen control, etc.
* Good technical knowledge of specification and customer systems such as TTL, Igloo, or similar
* Up-to-date knowledge of Food Legislation, legal labelling requirements
* Product quality optimisation
* Application of benchmarking and lean techniques
* Product and packaging cost modelling
* Supplier negotiation
* Process-oriented, required to demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
* Creative, problem solver, solution seeker, innovative thinker.
* Proactive hands-on approach with a can-do attitude
* Ability for flexible working hours and travel
* Ability to lead and develop a team with good motivational and people skills.
* Some knowledge of R&D Tax Credit or R&D funding applications and reporting