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:
- 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.
- Conduct research and stay abreast of industry trends, emerging ingredients, and technologies to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
- Develop and execute bench-top prototypes and pilot-scale batches, optimizing recipes for taste, texture, nutritional profile, and cost-effectiveness.
- Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to gather feedback and refine product formulations accordingly.
- Work closely with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients and ensure consistency in product quality and availability.
- Collaborate with packaging engineers to develop packaging solutions that maintain product freshness and appeal to consumers.
- Conduct shelf-life studies and stability testing to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Document all stages of the product development process, including formulation, testing, and scale-up, in accordance with company protocols.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings and project reviews, providing technical expertise and recommendations to support decision-making.
- Support commercialization efforts by assisting with production trials, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring successful product launches.
- Stay informed about food industry regulations and standards, ensuring that all products meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
- Strong understanding of food science principles, ingredient functionality, and food processing techniques.
- Proven track record of successfully developing and launching new food products, preferably in multiple categories.
- Experience with sensory evaluation techniques and consumer research methodologies.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
- Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and product development software/tools.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality assurance standards
