Junior Development Technologist with ref. J35441

We are working with a reputable food business who are at a very exciting time of growth having just won a contract that is set to almost double their turnover. Due to an internal promotion they are now looking to recruit a Junior Development Technologist.

The role will be working closely with the Senior Technologist to support the Head of Development in co-ordinating the NPD and EPD projects to the highest quality, whilst adhering to both internal and external requirements. Translate consumer insight, taking relevant food trends and listening to customer and consumer feedback to assist in developing new product ideas (NPD) as well as improvements to existing products (EPD).

You will be communicating with internal technical, commercial and operations team, and external retailers and suppliers.

Duties & Responsibilities
•Preparation of internal and external samples, ensuring they are produced to the expected standard
•Have a good understanding of the capabilities of the factory and suppliers' capabilities to ensure all NPD is commercially and physically viable
•Understand and adhere to the critical path of all NPD Projects to ensure an on-time launch.
•Input all required product information in written customer documentation ensuring this is accurate.
•To support the factory scale up stage of new developments in line with site procedures and legal requirements.
•Communicate effectively to ensure the factory trials are successful and next steps are followed up efficiently.
•Manage the information required for artwork generation and due diligence in line with legal practices such as nutritional testing, shelf life, organoleptic testing, travel test, artwork sign off, and factory paperwork.
•Take ownership for all aspects of the product ensuring all relevant records and documentation is accurate and accessible.
•Manage the implementation of new packaging materials and processes
•To attend development meetings to communicate relevant information to all attending functions as required.
•To work as an integral member of the team, networking with other internal departments, suppliers and the customer as required in a professional and timely manner.
•Help with General Administrative duties including, but not limited to, updating factory systems (Rubicon) and ensuring factory specifications are reviewed and correct before launch.
•Assist with the benchmarking programme including competitor shopping, co-ordination of panels and collating results both internally and externally.
•Attend customer presentations as required.
•Play an active role in customer visits / pre-production / launches where appropriate

The ideal person:

•Experience working in a food manufacturing environment in an NPD role would be a benefit (such as a university placement).
•1 years+ in a development role
•Skills & aptitude
•IT literate - able to work confidently with email, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software
•Initiative-taker - with the drive and tenacity to keep pushing several projects through the business at any one time and the confidence and vision to overcome obstacles along the way
•Innovation - with a desire to create something new with commercial viability
•Team player with the desire to support and develop other people to achieve their goals
•Keen problem-solving skills
•A passion for food.
•Good time keeping & flexibility to see the task through
•Discretion and diplomacy
•Self -motivated

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