Job Title: NPD Scientist / Technologist
Location: Melton Mowbray
Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 per annum, depending on experience
Reports to: Technical Development Manager
About Us:
Vetio UK is a contract manufacturer of health and wellbeing products for the pet and veterinary sectors. We pride ourselves on our ability to create palatable, effective, and scientifically formulated products that meet the needs of pets and their owners. As part of our continued growth, we are looking for an experienced NPD Scientist / Technologist to join our team and drive forward our new product development initiatives. The position is based at our offices in Melton Mowbray.
Role Overview:
This is a hands-on role in our development team, responsible for formulating and trialling new products from concept through to production. Unlike a standard food technician role, this position requires an individual who can work independently, take initiative and make decisions to drive projects forward. The ideal candidate will have either experience in food or feed product development. However, transferable scientific skills (such as an ability to troubleshoot, refine formulations and contribute to process improvements) from another role, will be considered for the right candidate.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities:
* Develop new soft chew formulations from concept to scale-up, ensuring feasibility in both palatability and manufacturing.
* Assist in developing projects, balancing multiple priorities and making data-driven decisions.
* Troubleshoot formulation and process challenges, proactively identifying and implementing solutions.
* Conduct ingredient research and supplier evaluation to improve existing and new formulations.
* Work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, procurement, sales, technical, quality and production, to ensure successful product development and launch.
* Conduct product testing and qualification, including sensory analysis, physicochemical tests, shelf-life testing, and nutritional assessments, keeping accurate records.
* Maintain accurate documentation of formulations, trials, and ingredient specifications, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
* Assist in coordinating and documenting product trials, both in-house and with external suppliers or manufacturers.
* Keep up to date with industry trends, new ingredients, and emerging technologies to support innovative product development.
* Support the team in resolving any technical issues or challenges that arise during the product development process.
* Contribute to process improvements and innovation within the NPD department.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
* Degree in Food Science, Animal Nutrition, or a related field
* 2+ years' experience in a scientific role in new product development within food, pet food, animal feed industries or other scientific field with transferable skills.
* Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
* Hands-on experience with formulation, ingredient functionality and processing techniques.
* A proactive and organised approach to project management.
* Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively across departments.
* Proficiency in MS Office and Google Suite (Excel, Word, Google Sheets).
* Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to pet food/feed production is advantageous.
What We Offer:
* A dynamic and growing company with a strong focus on innovation.
* The opportunity to work in a hands-on, problem-solving environment where your ideas matter.
* Competitive salary and benefits package, including:
* 28 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays (plus additional day for each full year of employment up to 5 days)
* Flexitime working available (after initial training period)
* Career development opportunities within the technical and product development space.
Location & Working Hours:
* Melton Mowbray, UK.
* Monday to Friday working hours (40 per week).
If you are an ambitious and self-motivated NPD Scientist or Technologist looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you Apply now to join our team and play a key role in shaping the future of our products.
To be considered for this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter on why you would be suitable for the role.
We are sorry but we cannot currently offer sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you will need the right to work in the UK.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Free parking
Experience:
* Food/ Animal Nutrition/ related: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person