Product Development Technologist

at  Compleat Food Group

SKILLS REQUIRED:

The right candidate will have a passion for food and looking to gain experience in the development of food development.

• The ability to work as part of a team and also on your own initiative.
• The ability to closely liaise with other departments and external customers.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to work to customer deadlines.
• The ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Willingness to learn all aspects of the production process.
• Some technical knowledge and an understanding of managing projects.
• Knowledge of plant and processes, ingredients and products, and a sound commercial awareness is desirable.

• Managing the critical path of product development from concept to post-production launch, ensuring that all product launches and associated documentation are achieved within agreed timescales alongside the NPD account manager.
• Key parts of the role will be to improve existing products (EPD), develop new products (NPD), and complete all relevant paperwork and to comply with company policies and procedures, and legislative requirements.
• You are expected to conform to relevant product, quality, safety and legality procedures as detailed by your line manager.
• Liaise closely with the relevant commercial account manager to develop and deliver the agreed commercial objectives of specified accounts.
• Work on focused development of new products to deliver the budgeted profit.
• Understand the requirements and needs of both internal and external customers to keep both parties continually ahead of the competition.
• Preparation and presentation of internal and external panels and collation of the results from the panels.
• Embrace the principles of category management to gain a true understanding of the requirements and needs of the customer.
• Present facts and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively to achieve effective communication across all functions.
• Assist the process team with factory trials and pre-productions.
• To complete re-heat cooking validations.
• To compile organoleptic tests on all new potential products.
• To organise microbiological shelf life and nutritional samples to be tested at the external lab.
• To complete customer QAS documents in line with achievable parameters within the business.
• To coordinate any product sample requests internally or for external customers.
• Conduct new product development research and monitor trends in the industry. Present these findings in a PowerPoint document which is issued out monthly, internally and externally.
• Regular store visits to ensure awareness of current market place.
• To deputise for NPD Account Manager.
• Any other duties considered to be within the remit of the post.