As an NPD Technologist, you will have a direct input into all aspects of the product development process, from ideation, recipe & format development, customer presentations and approval through to launch.
You will collaborate with colleagues from all areas of the business to ensure the innovative concepts you develop are technically, commercially, and operationally feasible, as well as maintaining regular communication with our retail customers and ingredient suppliers.
THE PERSON
A highly motivated and creative individual, with a strong interest in food trends and a good understanding of the product development process within the food manufacturing industry.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, to diligently manage development projects and communicate effectively both internally and when presenting new products to customers.
CLAWSON
A farmer co-operative based in the heart of the vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire, producing a range of products including Blue Stilton, Shropshire Blue, Rutland Red and numerous sweet and savoury flavoured blended cheeses.
TECHNICAL & PEOPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Supporting all aspects of the product development process, including:• Analysing customer briefs, identifying development opportunities and SKU gaps.
• Developing new and innovative blended cheese recipes and formats, producing samples in the development kitchen, organising taste panels, redeveloping where required and submitting to the customer.
• Completing all relevant product submission documents such as submission forms.
• Working with suppliers to develop new secondary packaging concepts, including cartons and sleeves.
• Liaising with new and existing ingredient suppliers, ordering samples and gathering the required commercial and technical information. I.e., quotes, MOQ’s and specifications. As well as keeping up to date with new ingredient offerings.
• Leading some customer product submission meetings whether online or in-person.
• Deputising for the NPD Manager where required.
Supporting key reoccurring departmental tasks, including:
• New Ingredient Approval – working with the Purchasing Manager during ingredient tenders, creating comparative samples using new vs existing ingredients and organising blind taste panels to review with the wider team.
• Competitor Benchmarking – organising periodical blind taste panels to compare our products vs the wider market.
• Customer Requests – producing samples in the development kitchen to fulfil customer requests i.e., for product photography, press-showcases, or features.
• Food Trends – maintaining an awareness of food & drink trends through research and attending food shows, generating reports to aid future development opportunities.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Key Attributes:
• Highly creative and self-motivated individual with a keen eye for detail and a strong desire to get the job done.
• Strong team working skills with an appetite to work cross functionally within a close-knit team.
• Highly organised individual who can listen, retain information, and keep abreast with multiple development requirements.
• Well-developed communication skills are essential. The right candidate will develop and maintain positive working relationships with important customer and supplier contacts.
Qualifications, Background and Experience:
• STEM-related degree or similar level of education desirable.
• Minimum 1-year experience within the product development discipline in food manufacturing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and Outlook).
Type of Position – Full time, Monday-Friday 08.30-17.00.
Location – Long Clawson Site (LE14 4PJ).
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Company pension scheme
- Healthcare
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Employer pension contribution
- Up to 6%, 8% personal bonus
If this sounds like the right role for you, drop us an email at recruitment@clawson.co.uk with a covering letter and your CV!