NPD Assistant

at  Lir Chocolates

JOIN LIR CHOCOLATE’S (NAVAN, COUNTY MEATH) TEAM AS AN NPD ASSISTANT - HELP CRAFT DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE CREATIONS!

Are you passionate about chocolate and keen to be part of a team that creates mouthwatering treats? Look no further! Our company is seeking a dedicated NPD (New Product Development) Assistant to play a pivotal role in our chocolate-making journey.
At Lir, we stand as a forefront provider of premium chocolates to prominent retailers globally. Our ethos revolves around creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Operating from two cutting-edge manufacturing plants in Navan, County Meath, we are dedicated to the art and enchantment of crafting hand-finished and hand-decorated chocolates based on both traditional recipes and gloriously unfamiliar new combinations.
As an NPD Assistant, you’ll be the unsung hero behind the scenes, providing invaluable support to our talented team of chocolatiers. Your primary responsibility will be to assist with administrative tasks crucial to the smooth operation of our NPD process. From managing documentation to coordinating meetings and ensuring compliance with regulations, your attention to detail will be the secret ingredient that keeps our chocolate production running seamlessly.
Your contributions will directly impact the creation of our delectable chocolate products. By meticulously handling administrative duties, you’ll enable our team to focus on what they do best – crafting irresistible chocolates that delight our customers’ taste buds.
If you’re organised, meticulous, and passionate about chocolate, this role is perfect for you. Join us in our quest to create delicious chocolate delights that bring joy to chocolate lovers everywhere!
Apply now to become our NPD Assistant and be part of a team that turns cocoa beans into culinary masterpieces!

Responsibilities:

• Support the NPD process through various activities, including:
• Manage the sample request procedure and collaborate with the NPD team to ensure timely dispatch of samples to retailers and internal teams.
• Manage the packaging of samples for retailer submissions, ensuring accurate product and labeling compliance.
• Coordinate and organize the dispatch of PR samples, implementing a process to manage and control samples.
• Coordinate competitor analysis information and maintain records.
• Provide necessary administrative support to the NPD team.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with procedures and implementing processes related to labeling and shelf life.
• Assist in the production of chocolate mixes and the creation of chocolate samples.
• Utilize the recipe management system to ensure accurate information is communicated to customers.
• Have a passion for chocolate and be enthusiastic about developing new products.
• Organize all ingredients for NPD, implementing a system for rotation and sample ordering.
• Experience in working with and tempering chocolate would be advantageous.
• Possess strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills, including the use of the recipe management system.
• Assist in maintaining good housekeeping in the NPD kitchen, including participating in daily cleaning of the kitchen and equipment.

Qualifications:

• Food Science: Basic knowledge of food science principles and a keen interest in chocolate production. This could be via completing a relevant qualification or working experience in food manufacturing.
• Creativity and Innovation: A creative mindset and a passion for innovation.
• Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication skills to articulate ideas.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail when completing tasks and documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility in chocolate production.
• Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritise workload.
• Computer Proficiency: Proficient in using software applications for data entry, document management, and communication (e.g., Microsoft Office suite, project management tools).
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including product developers, food technologists, marketers, and production staff, to achieve common goals.
• Regulatory Compliance: Awareness of food safety regulations and industry standards applicable to chocolate manufacturing, or the passion and desire to lear

Rewards Benefits:

• Annual Leave: Begin with 23 days of annual leave, progressively increasing by an extra day each year until you reach 25 days, in addition to public holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access a comprehensive program for employee well-being.
• Company Pension Plan: Secure your future with our pension scheme.
• Charity Engagement: Participate in charity fundraising and team events, from BBQs to Yoga and beyond!
• Additional Leave for Community Work: Receive one extra paid day off for charity or community work.
• Staff Shop Discounts: Enjoy exclusive discounts through our staff shop.
• Death In Service Benefit: After completing probation, avail of the Death in Service benefit.
• Maternity Leave: Benefit from 12 weeks of paid maternity leave after one year of service.
• Employee Values Awards: Be recognized and celebrated for embodying our values.
• Referral Bonus Vouchers: Earn bonuses for referring outstanding talent.
• Training and Development: Access ongoing opportunities for professional growth.
• Bespoke Training for New Factory Workers: Tailored training to ensure a smooth integration such as Food Safety, Manual Handling and Equality & Diversity.
• Free Parking: Experience hassle-free parking at all our manufacturing sites and offices.
• ESG Commitment: Be part of our ongoing commitment to our ESG strategy, focused on protecting our people, communities, and our planet.

Application & Interview Process: As part of the interview process you will visit our chocolate factory in Navan and meet with the NPD Manager

• Support the NPD process through various activities, including:
• Manage the sample request procedure and collaborate with the NPD team to ensure timely dispatch of samples to retailers and internal teams.
• Manage the packaging of samples for retailer submissions, ensuring accurate product and labeling compliance.
• Coordinate and organize the dispatch of PR samples, implementing a process to manage and control samples.
• Coordinate competitor analysis information and maintain records.
• Provide necessary administrative support to the NPD team.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with procedures and implementing processes related to labeling and shelf life.
• Assist in the production of chocolate mixes and the creation of chocolate samples.
• Utilize the recipe management system to ensure accurate information is communicated to customers.
• Have a passion for chocolate and be enthusiastic about developing new products.
• Organize all ingredients for NPD, implementing a system for rotation and sample ordering.
• Experience in working with and tempering chocolate would be advantageous.
• Possess strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills, including the use of the recipe management system.
• Assist in maintaining good housekeeping in the NPD kitchen, including participating in daily cleaning of the kitchen and equipment