Job Title : New Product Development (NPD) Technologist
Company Overview:
Our client is a leading food manufacturer committed to delivering innovative and high-quality food products to consumers worldwide. With a focus on sustainability, health, and taste, we strive to push the boundaries of culinary excellence while meeting the diverse needs of our customers.
Position Overview:
Our client are seeking a talented and passionate New Product Development (NPD) Technologist to join their dynamic team. The NPD Technologist will play a key role in the development of new food products, from concept to commercialisation, ensuring that they meet the company's standards for taste, quality, safety, and profitability.
Responsibilities:
1. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, culinary, supply chain, and quality assurance to develop innovative food product concepts that align with market trends and consumer preferences.
2. Conduct research and stay abreast of industry trends, emerging ingredients, and technologies to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
3. Develop and execute bench-top prototypes and pilot-scale batches, optimizing recipes for taste, texture, nutritional profile, and cost-effectiveness.
4. Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback and refine product formulations accordingly.
5. Work closely with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients and ensure consistency in product quality and availability.
6. Collaborate with packaging engineers to develop packaging solutions that maintain product freshness and appeal to consumers.
7. Conduct shelf-life studies and stability testing to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
8. Document all stages of the product development process, including formulation, testing, and scale-up, in accordance with company protocols.
9. Participate in cross-functional meetings and project reviews, providing technical expertise and recommendations to support decision-making.
10. Support commercialization efforts by assisting with production trials, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring successful product launches.
11. Stay informed about food industry regulations and standards, ensuring that all products meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications:
12. Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
13. Strong understanding of food science principles, ingredient functionality, and food processing techniques.
14. Proven track record of successfully developing and launching new food products, preferably in multiple categories.
15. Experience with sensory evaluation techniques and consumer research methodologies.
16. Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
17. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
18. Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
19. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and product development software/tools.
20. Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality assurance standards