Senior NPD Technologist

Job Title: Senior NPD Technologist

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000

Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Type: Permanent // Full Time

Work Hours:  40 Hours per week // 4 x days office based, 1 x day WFH

Overview:
The Flavour Network has partnered with a leading pet food business to find an experienced Senior NPD Technologist to take charge in creating groundbreaking new products. As a Senior NPD Technologist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our offerings and driving the successful development and launch of products that stand out in the market.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned NPD Technologist with a passion for the food industry and a proven track record in product development to lead initiatives from concept to commercialisation. With exciting challenges every day, this role promises to be both rewarding and impactful. As a Senior NPD Technologist, you will lead market research, manage cross-functional collaborations, develop new product recipes, design testing programs, and stay ahead of industry trends to foster continuous innovation.

If you’re a hands-on, proactive individual with a passion for pet nutrition, this is the perfect opportunity to make a lasting impact!!

Responsibilities for the Senior NPD Technologist

• Conduct market research to analyse trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities, using insights to shape product innovation strategies.
• Collaborate with marketing, procurement, production, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless product development and on-time launches.
• Oversee the development of new product recipes, focusing on ingredient functionality, cost-efficiency, and nutritional standards.
• Design and manage product testing programs, including sensory analysis, shelf-life testing, and compliance checks.
• Ensure product specifications are accurate, maintaining adherence to regulatory and quality standards.
• Coordinate and lead product trials, working closely with both in-house teams and external partners.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, exploring new ingredients and technologies to drive continuous innovation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during the development process to ensure smooth progression at every stage.

Requirements for the Senior NPD Technologist

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in food science, manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience of at least 4 years in food manufacturing or product development, ideally within NPD roles.
• A genuine passion for innovation in food and nutrition, particularly within the pet food sector.
• Strong knowledge of food science, nutrition, and food product regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, with advanced skills in Excel and Sheets.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and a hands-on, proactive approach.
• Demonstrated success in leading NPD projects from concept through to market launch.
• Excellent leadership and team collaboration skills, working effectively across cross-functional teams.