Senior Development Technologist (Maternity Cover) Newcastle Area Hours: 40 per week, MondayFriday, office hours Contract: 1-year maternity cover, approximately January 2026 December 2026 Location: Northamptonshire Salary: £40,000 per year Job Description We are looking for a friendly, reliable, and hardworking individual to join our growing and established New Product Development (NPD) team. The role involves working on production projects and ensuring that products are developed and packaged to meet customer requirements, following Health & Safety and food specification standards. Purpose of the Role To actively pursue opportunities in both New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) using scientific, creative, and industry expertise. From internal and external briefs, you will develop and successfully launch new product concepts while continually striving for improvements on existing ranges. You will drive innovation that supports growth plans by keeping up to date with market-leading ingredients, processes, and packaging, ensuring that the launch process is followed across all accounts and products. You will provide new product concepts in response to signed-off internal and external briefs delivered on time, to the agreed costs, and to the required quality standards. You will liaise with internal stakeholders including account managers, process, technical, and operations teams to ensure all departments are engaged in the process. You will also seek creative process solutions within existing manufacturing methods, working closely with process and operational teams. You will manage your NPD and EPD projects from concept through to successful launch. Key Responsibilities Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers Support account managers by assisting with and attending product presentations and preparing samples as required Jointly manage customer visits alongside account management and supply chain teams Collaborate with the Marketing team on latest trends, ingredients, and packaging innovations Work closely with process and operations teams to maintain a good understanding of manufacturing capabilities Understand how recipe and process adjustments impact costs and communicate changes effectively You will also continuously improve existing products by: Staying informed on competitor product launches Ensuring your customers products remain best in class You will keep up to date on the latest trends by researching markets and identifying new ideas for packaging and ingredients. You will liaise with internal and external suppliers to build knowledge and awareness of new materials and technologies. Administrative and organisational responsibilities include ensuring all databases (e.g. costings systems) are accurate, complete, and up to date, as well as managing your workload efficiently, supporting team members, and ensuring coverage during absences. You will maintain and promote excellent Health & Safety, hygiene, and Quality Assurance standards within the development kitchen, ensuring compliance with all business and technical requirements including BRC and PPC standards. Qualifications & Experience Degree/HND (preferably Masters) in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related discipline Minimum 12 years in a Senior Development role within the food industry (or similar sector) 34 years of customer-facing experience Strong planning, organisation, and communication skills Ability to work independently and take initiative A genuine passion for food and innovation Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel Good working knowledge of HACCP principles We Are Also Open To: Applicants with slightly less experience may be considered for a Development Technologist position (£34,000£35,000 per year). Benefits Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Language training On-site parking Referral programme Store discounts Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (12 months) Work Location: In person