NPD Technologist
FMCG | Flavours | Full‑Time, On Site | West Midlands
Love turning ideas into great‑tasting products?
An established and growing UK flavour manufacturer, recently strengthened by international backing, is seeking a talented NPD Technologist to join its innovation team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on, detail‑driven technologist with experience in flavours and applications who enjoys working at pace, collaborating with customers, and bringing creative concepts to life in a laboratory environment.
The Role
Reporting to the NPD Manager, you'll play a key role in developing and improving flavour solutions for customers across multiple food and beverage categories.
Your responsibilities will include:
Developing new flavour formulations for customers and prospects
Improving existing products while working within raw material cost guidelines
Product matching against existing market benchmarks
Carrying out quality and sensory checks (triangle tests, aroma tests, preference testing)
Creating, recording, and maintaining detailed sensory documentation
Building knowledge of new ingredients and flavour technologies
Creating, tracking, and dispatching customer samples
Ordering raw material samples and specifications from suppliers
Liaising with customers where required, including visits and occasional exhibitions
Maintaining laboratory hygiene, equipment, and best‑practice standards
Supporting the wider team in a busy, fast‑paced NPD environment
What Success Looks Like
Accurate, creative, and customer‑focused flavour development
Strong organisation and delivery against deadlines
High standards of laboratory accuracy, hygiene, and documentation
Positive collaboration with colleagues, suppliers, and customers
About You
You'll be a confident, enthusiastic technologist who enjoys ownership, problem‑solving, and working both independently and as part of a team.
You'll ideally bring:
A science‑related degree
At least 2 years' relevant experience (flavours or food preferred)
Strong numerical and written communication skills
Good project planning and time‑management abilitiesAnd you'll be:
Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail
Proactive, adaptable, and solution‑focused
Calm under pressure and comfortable multitasking
Customer‑focused with excellent interpersonal skills
Competent using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
A self‑starter who thrives with autonomy
Fully eligible to work in the UK and hold a clean driving licence
Working Pattern & Benefits
37.5 hours per week (flexibility across core hours 08:30-16:30)
25 days holiday + bank holidays (pro‑rata first year)
Christmas shutdown (3 days allocated from holiday entitlement)
Competitive salary (disclosed on application)
Pension scheme (employee and employer contributions)
Employee discounts and wellbeing support via benefits and EAP scheme
6‑month probation | 1‑month notice period
Why Apply?
You'll join a passionate, technically strong team within a flavour business known for creative solutions, high service levels, and long‑standing expertise. With access to wider group knowledge and resources, this role offers excellent development opportunities for an ambitious NPD technologist