JOB PURPOSE
To support the Head of Technical & Development deliver the overall company NPD strategy.
Responsible for carrying out the following tasks
Production of NPD samples from concept (kitchen) to scale up trials, launch & post launch support (factory) and completion & issue of associated reports & documentation.
Ensuring all documentation associated with the NPD & EPD process is controlled, completed & saved in the appropriate manner & to a high degree of standard.
Collating & sharing information to the wider business team,
Ensuring all NPD activities are planned, co-ordinated & executed effectively utilising the resources of the department efficiently.
In conjunction with the commercial team, ensuring sample requests are processed, completed and transport organised to ensure timely delivery.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
NPD / EPD process – support & enable Head of Technical & Development in conjunction with NPD team to deliver projects efficiently & effectively to critical path timelines and working to a defined NPD Stage / Gate Process.
Innovation – keeps up to date with current or new food trends & new products in line with MBL categories & propose new potential products & ways of working that will help deliver the overall NPD / business strategy. Look at ways to improve current product offering through product or site capabilities. Co-ordinates NPD taste panels internally to wider teams to ensure development route is on track.
Procurement – effective new ingredient, packaging or other raw material sourcing (in conjunction with Procurement & Technical) with initial briefs to supplier at concept stage – ensure costs, samples, MOQ & specs are received & passed to Technical Finance in accordance with critical path timings.
Building Relationships – Proactively develops & maintains sustainable relationships with internal and external contacts. Communicates effectively with existing and new customers and suppliers to achieve company objectives. Maintain professional approach to ensure NPD face of the business is respected.
Recipe Development – Has a solid experience & understanding of recipes, ingredients and development processes to create products that are in line with briefs, ensuring early consideration to Technical Compliance, Operational constraints and cost parameters.
Factory Process – has extensive experience & knowledge in product scale up from Development Kitchen to factory with an understanding of Production processes. Develops & maintains relationships with Key persons in Operations. Accurate recording & collation of data from trials & launches with training operator skills, challenging ways of working & feeding back issues / concerns to ensure resolved in a timely manner to adhere to critical path.
Technical Understanding – Has an understanding of product specifications & submission forms & is able to complete given paperwork confidently and in a given time frame. There may be at times a requirement for cross over tasks to support the Technical Team.
Record Keeping – Assists with the maintenance of the customer database and files, ensuring all customer information and files are kept up to date and easy to navigate. Update product information and pictures where appropriate.
Team Player – Works and communicates effectively with all internal departments to ensure everyone works cohesively to achieve company objectives. Contributes on behalf of the NPD department and ensures all information is available for every department, but also has the ability to self-manage time and activities effectively.
BEHAVIOUR AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
· Ability to work under tight deadlines.
· Can multi-task and work under pressure
· Positive ‘can do’ attitude, with good problem-solving abilities and good collaborator
· Supporting NPD (and other) colleagues when required.
· Confident understanding of NPD Stage Gate processes and the importance of adherence.
· Knowledge & understanding of other department priorities and ways of working.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Highly motivated, with a positive and realistic approach to projects & situations.
- Strong team player.
- Passion for food development.
- Attention to detail.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person