EPD / NPD Technologist
Location: Minffordd, North Wales
Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 17:00pm
About Us
Heler Foods Packing, based in Minffordd, North Wales, is one of the UK’s leading cheese packing facilities. We employ over 250 colleagues and operate with BRC AA accreditation and Red Tractor certification, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
Working closely with Joseph Heler’s production site in Nantwich, Cheshire, we provide innovative cheese packing solutions for supermarkets, food manufacturers, and international partners. Our format capabilities include block, sliced, blended, grated, and mini portions.
We are now seeking a proactive and detail-oriented EPD / NPD Technologist to support the delivery of New Product Development (NPD), Existing Product Development (EPD), and Continuous Improvement projects across the site.
The Role
As an EPD / NPD Technologist, you will play a key role in ensuring new and existing product launches are delivered on time, accurately, and efficiently, in line with Joseph Heler Group and customer category plans. You will work closely with colleagues across Technical, Operations, Planning, and Commercial functions, supporting the end-to-end launch process — from feasibility trials to pre-production meetings — ensuring all actions, documentation, and data are captured and communicated effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the process team with arranging factory samples and courier requirements.
- Chair and minute development, feasibility, and project update meetings.
- Plan feasibility trials, order raw materials, and write Bills of Materials (BOMs) for new products.
- Raise new codes for raw materials and packaging, ensuring data accuracy.
- Prepare and manage Product Change Logs (PCLs) and product handover packs.
- Coordinate production trials and review results (labour, wastage, cost) with stakeholders.
- Manage project critical paths, trackers, and progress reports.
- Oversee cross-functional tasks such as artwork and packaging design.
- Prepare and chair pre-production and pre-launch meetings.
- Provide timely reporting to the Head of Department (HOD) and Head of Technical (HOT).
What We’re Looking ForExperience & Qualifications (Essential):
- Strong understanding of the product launch process, from kitchen to factory trials.
- Experience in trial data analysis and reporting.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal & written).
- Strong project management, organisational, and planning skills.
- High attention to detail with good numeracy and analytical skills.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
Behaviours & Competencies:
- Accountability – Takes ownership of projects through to completion.
- Proactivity – Anticipates risks or delays and takes action early.
- Resilience – Calm and adaptable under pressure.
- Communication & Influence – Confident in chairing meetings and driving actions.
- Collaboration – Works effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Analytical Thinking – Interprets trial data to provide clear, actionable insights.
- Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves launch challenges efficiently.
What We Offer
- The chance to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment with one of the UK’s leading cheese specialists.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- A supportive team culture where your contribution makes a real difference.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person