Overview:
Kickstart Your Career in Food Innovation

NPD Packaging Developer Apprenticeship at Kinnerton Confectionery, Fakenham

• Start working full-time at Kinnerton from July 2025 within the NPD team
• Apprenticeship course begins in October 2025 via University of Lincoln for 24 months

Love chocolate? Curious about how products go from idea to shelf? Join Kinnerton Confectionery as an NPD Packaging Developer Apprentice and play a hands-on role in developing exciting, creative packaging for our chocolate products that are sold in all major retailers, including our famous advent calendars and NOMO free-from chocolate range.

Responsibilities:

• Help bring new chocolate products to life with smart, sustainable packaging
• Work with real projects and packaging trials in the factory
• Learn about food safety, product development, sustainability, and more
• Build your skills alongside experienced industry professionals

The formal learning part of your apprenticeship will be delivered by Lincoln University Centre of Food Manufacturing. Review more about the course here: Food Technologist | University of Lincoln

• Complete the full apprenticeship
• Ensure all assessments and completed on time
• Attend in-person sessions at Lincoln University (These are usually in one week blocks, two- three times a year)
• Learn all about Food Safety; Food Science; H&S; HACCP; Quality & Sensory Analysis; NPD & Costings; Interpreting Data; Nutrition; Shelf Life; Continuous Improvement; Regulations
• Complete a portfolio and End point Assessment

Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for the food industry and a desire to pursue a career in NPD and packaging development.
• GCSE English, Maths and Science (Pass) or equivalent
• Demonstrable organisational and time management skills
• Good communication skills
• Able to work independently and with initiative, as well as part of a larger team
• Computer literacy with the ability to learn new systems and software, as well as use all MS Office tools such as Outlook, Word and Excel.

Rewards Benefits:

• A comprehensive apprenticeship program, including on-the-job training and formal education.
• Opportunity to complete an NPD Technologist Level 3 apprenticeship with Lincoln University National Centre of Food Manufacturing.
• Mentorship and guidance from industry professionals.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Pension (4% Employer Contributions)
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 basic salary.
• Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), along with access to Paycare Perks for exclusive high street and retailer discounts.
• Annual engagement calendar covering an array of activities and educational events promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Participate in supporting your local community with opportunities to spend one day per year volunteering or fundraising and gain company-matched sponsorship.
• Company Wellbeing agenda including annual Wellbeing Week, Menopause Support Group and Mental Health First Aid programme.
• Access to staff shops with exclusive discounts.
• Monthly employee recognition scheme via the ‘Zertus Values Awards’.
• Recruitment Refer a Friend rewards.

About Us:
Kinnerton is far from your typical brand. Pioneering the introduction of character chocolate in the UK in 1978 under the Kinnerton Kids label, we have consistently evolved, securing our position as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of seasonal goods. Each year, we proudly craft millions of delightful advent calendars and Easter eggs, highlighting our commitment to excellence.
Our manufacturing site is based in Fakenham (Norfolk), along with a vibrant London Hub in Camden and offices in Hong Kong, our reach is truly global. As a key player in the Zertus UK & Ireland Snacking & Chocolate Market Unit, we collaborate with esteemed food manufacturers nationwide.
What sets us apart is our distinct offering to customers, characterised by our nut-safe promise and unwavering dedication to product innovation. As the inventive minds behind NOMO chocolate, an award-winning and delicious free-from range, we continue to redefine the chocolate experience. Join us at Kinnerton, where innovation, quality, and a rich history blend to create an extraordinary brand experience.
Application & Interview Process:
Kinnerton is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Your application will be reviewed as part of our selection process. If you’re shortlisted, a member of our Recruitment or HR team will contact you by phone or email (please check your junk mail). From there, if you advance, your application will be shared with the hiring manager for further review. If selected, you will be invited to an interview, which may be one or two stages and could include a factory tour.
Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage. The provision of this information is likely to include special category data and is therefore covered by data protection laws. We ask for this information so that we are fully aware of any adjustments needed and we will use the information provided to inform our decisions about making those changes

• Help bring new chocolate products to life with smart, sustainable packaging
• Work with real projects and packaging trials in the factory
• Learn about food safety, product development, sustainability, and more
• Build your skills alongside experienced industry professional