Development Technologist

Job Description

A great opportunity to join our forward thinking and growing food manufacturing business who partners with some of the more exciting UK grocery brands.The role is designed for individuals seeking a hands-on thriving career in end-to-end fresh food supplychain with focus on innovation, customer delivery and relationship building with cross functional departments across depots.THE DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIST will be responsible for:Responsibility for development of new, profitable and deliverable concepts, by supporting end-to-end product development management of new and existing product ranges including working with raw materials, ingredients, packaging, designing new recipes, ideasgeneration and presentation to internal and external stakeholders.

• Development and innovation pipeline projects for key customers, tapping into key trends and concepts.
• Cross-functional communication and collaboration with NPD, category, commercial, technical and operations to develop commercially viable, innovative opportunities on trend and to tight time scales.
• Generate and manage the critical paths, concept to handover process of branded and private label NPD, for all customers alongside NPD Manager, whilst actively liaising across functions to ensure timelines are met.
• Organising factory trials, pre-launch and shelf life trials as required. You will make sure that processes are followed correctly and findings are shared with relevant parties.
• Active communication and key point of contact with customers.
• Ensure documentation and product samples are produced to the highest standard.
• Writing specifications, managing all raw materials data on their bespoke systems.
• Support the creation of design for customer presentation, photo shoots, customer meetings and event support.
• Lead factory taste panels and project meetings, alongside working closely with the production team to attend factory trials and first production runs.

• Customer presentations and development innovation days, showcasing product portfolio and site capabilities.
• Participate in HACCP team and implement any changes to food safety / quality arising with product development.
• Understand and maintain raw material sourcing data insights e.g calendars, varieties, sources of supply.
• Managing raw materials and stock for projects along with the procurement team.
• Driving continuous improvements and guaranteeing a smooth transition from kitchen to factory in line with quality standards, HACCP and BRC

THE IDEAL CANDIDATEThis is a great business looking for a reliable, disciplined and capable Development Technologist who has a strong background in the industry. Other key attributes will include:

• Degree qualified in a relevant food subject (desirable)
• Experience working in an NPD or technical role in the food manufacturing industry.Experience writing finished product specifications is highly desirable.
• Can demonstrate a sound knowledge of food safety and associated systems
• Strong IT skills with Excel and PowerPoint as well as creative software such as Photoshop
• A creative edge, a passion to develop new plant based products and ideas
• Strong communication skills
• Time and project management skills, with the ability to manage stakeholders

If you are looking for a new challenge and you have the capabilities to deliver for this business APPLY NOW!Kandhu has fully implemented GDPR & Privacy Policies across its business and a copy of our Privacy Policy can be found by visiting our website. By applying for this role Kandhu will add your details to our database - assuming you have the right level ofexperience for the roles you apply for, after which we will be in touch."Kandhu Recruitment will consider all applications based on each candidates suitability to the role or similar roles within the Food Sector and if we feel you are a relevant candidate we will process your application by adding you to our secure recruitmentdatabase and then contacting you to progress job opportunities further. We do not contact unsuitable applicants."