Purpose of Role:
The Development Technologist reports to the Process Development Manager as part of the Development Team.
The main purpose of the role is to create food that is safe and attractive to customers – primarily taking product from concept handover to launch, planning the large-scale manufacture of fresh, smoked and added-value products, designing processes for our production teams that enable efficient production within the regulatory framework, administrative duties – keeping relevant NPD documentation/paperwork up to date
The role is mostly office hours; however it will involve evening / weekend work from time to time, particularly to ensure successful production trials and launches.
Main Duties:
* Support the Process Development Manager in preparation for, and co-ordination of launches for new or modified products
* Arranging production trials and ensuring that processes can be repeated to ensure consistency and safety
* Coordinating follow up from production trials, product sampling and lessons learned
* Ensuring that the relevant data is gathered and available to the Finance team to prepare product costings to ensure products launched are profitable
* Working with the Technical and Production teams to draw up product specifications and support the Finance team to ensure accurate translation into the company's ERP system
* Working with Production, Engineering and Technical colleagues to develop solutions to production issues
* Work with ingredient and packaging suppliers to establish or improve supplies for new or existing products
* Responsibility for artwork approval for all products within your portfolio + relevant approval from certification bodies for on pack claims
* Occasional store visits and product evaluation
* Occasional travel to customers and/or suppliers
Key Performance Indicators:
* Successful navigation through retailer Gate approval process
* Timely execution of production trials
* Identification and resolution of potential issues before they could result in delays
* Accurate and complete data gathering through trial process
* Successful, on-time product launches
Qualifications:
* Third-level qualification (diploma or degree) in Food Science / Chemistry / Microbiology or another relevant subject is essential.
* An Accredited Food Safety (REHIS or similar) qualification would be an advantage.
* Own transport with full, clean driving license is essential.
* A thorough understanding of food processing and the business systems which ensure Food Safety for the consumer is essential
Skills:
* A genuine interest in and enthusiasm for food, the seafood industry and market trends
* A pro-active, positive contributor – motivated and satisfied by working well with other people to discuss new ideas and influence new processes
* Ability to stay up to date with any changes in customer requirements and relate them to potential business impact
* Accuracy and attention to detail
* Good organisation skills
* Ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly to situations
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Willingness to learn
Experience:
* Proven experience in a similar role gained in food manufacturing (seafood/other protein an advantage) preferably with a major retail customer
* Demonstrable track record of delivering a high standard of work to deadlines
Please note, we retain the right to close this vacancy or keep it open subject to volume and quality of applications. We would, therefore, encourage candidates to submit an application as soon as possible.