NPD Technologist

Candidates need to have:

• Minimum one year working within the food industry
• Minimum one year working with food within European Markets
• Experience working with new product development
• Open to relocation once living in Ireland as accommodation options available

You will be involved in cutting-edge innovation projects, ensuring that new products meet safety, legal, and specification requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead NPD and EPD projects through the entire development process, from concept to launch, working cross-functionally to deliver innovative and renovated products.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant policies, legislation, and product specifications.
• Understand and monitor compliance with the stage-gate product development process, implementing lean NPD techniques to ensure all requirements are met at each project stage.
• Manage the project critical path, ensuring all deadlines are met as outlined by the NPD Account Manager.
• Coordinate day-to-day NPD processes for line extensions and brand packaging projects from the project brief to launch.
• Ensure continuous improvement and protection of both the process and product.
• Provide leadership and training to NPD staff members to effectively complete tasks.
• Develop a clear understanding of business priorities and contribute to achieving cost-efficiency goals.
• Provide weekly updates to the NPD Manager on project progress.
• Liaise with key retail customers to present NPD projects, addressing and resolving any project issues as they arise, seeking guidance from the NPD Account Manager when necessary.
• Drive continuous improvements within the Innovation Department.
• Stay informed about market trends and technologies to develop new product ideas.

Ideal Candidate:

• A degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a high-volume FMCG/food manufacturing environment, in roles such as Quality, Technical, or Development.
• Strong project management and planning skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a large, cross-functional team.
• Passion for food and the latest industry trends.
• Practical experience in:
• Quality systems (e.g., BRC Standard, HACCP, allergen control).
• Technical knowledge of specification and customer systems (e.g., TTL, HG, Igloo, etc.).
• Knowledge of food legislation and legal labelling requirements.
• Product quality optimization and cost modelling.
• Application of benchmarking and lean techniques.
• Supplier negotiation.
• Process-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Proactive, hands-on approach with a positive attitude.
• Familiarity with packaging management tools and the pack copy process.