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You may not have heard of us, but there’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed our products. Avara Foods is one of the UK’s leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to major supermarkets and well-known restaurants.
We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to factory to customer door — covering a range of functions. We operate major processing sites across England and Wales, and oversee an agricultural network of over 350 farms from North Yorkshire to the South Coast and Wales.
About the Role:
Are you innovative, proactive, and naturally creative? Are you seeking a new challenge in your NPD career?
As an inclusive, forward-thinking company, we pride ourselves on our approach to New Product Development (NPD). We are looking for a highly competent and motivated Development Technologist to join our NPD team, based at our Dudley or Hereford site.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated "foodie" with a logical approach and a customer-focused mindset.
What will you be doing as a Development Technologist at Avara?
You will support the NPD Product Manager in developing and delivering NPD initiatives for your business unit. You will report to the New Product Development Manager and collaborate with Technical, Operations, Commercial, Planning, and Procurement teams to identify requirements and plan product delivery schedules.
Weekly travel to suppliers, customers, and Avara manufacturing sites will be required.
Working hours are Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00.
Key responsibilities include:
* Maintaining awareness of retail and food service markets and current products/ranges.
* Supporting benchmarking sessions and completing competitor product sheets.
* Managing the NPD Programme: developing products per customer briefs and presenting for approval.
* Collaborating with suppliers to develop products to specifications.
* Using Point 74 Recipe Professor system for development programs.
* Supporting customer presentations with complete documentation.
* Participating in NPD meetings.
* Ensuring development activities comply with procedures and are accurately recorded.
* Supporting product launch activities, including trials, shelf-life assessments, organoleptic testing, and nutritional analysis.
* Occasional weekend work for organoleptic assessments.
* Using production trials to validate product costing.
* Liaising with Operations and Technical teams to plan and manage product launches.
* Ensuring products meet specifications and quality parameters during launches.
What you’ll need to be successful:
* Experience in developing and launching new products for retail and food service customers.
* Experience in FMCG product development.
* Managing critical paths and coordinating departments for successful launches.
* Knowledge of food ingredient functionalities.
* Understanding of the product development process from concept to launch, with experience in retailer NPD systems.
* Ability to work independently.
* Methodical approach with clear stakeholder requirements.
* High accuracy and attention to detail.
* Full UK Driving License.
* Qualification in Food Sciences or related field.
* Experience in meat/poultry product development is preferred.
* Knowledge of food labelling and regulatory requirements.
The benefits of working for Avara Foods:
As a Development Technologist, you will enjoy a secure, supportive, and progressive environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded.
We offer comprehensive training and ongoing development opportunities. Benefits include:
* Salary up to £35,000 per year
* Secure long-term career prospects
* 6% pension contribution
* Subsidised staff canteen
* Staff shop and discounted sales
* Cycle-to-work scheme
* Discounted gym memberships
* Salary sacrifice car scheme
* Access to employee benefits, including remote GP, mental health support, physiotherapy, medical second opinions, and discounts.
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