Product Development Technologist, Product Development Technologist

We are looking for a Product Development Technologist to join our Product and Innovation Team, reporting into the Senior Product Development Technologist.

Based in Craigavon, you will work closely with the Culinary, Packaging, Technical, Procurement and Commercial Teams to set the strategy and pipeline for the categories you work within, manage the development process with the site NPI teams using a stage-gate process, to meet the project milestones and deliverables.

You will be responsible for and required to undertake the following duties:

• Detailed and clear understanding of the NPD Process, concept to launch.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels and with all departments.
• Generate and manage costings continually throughout the NPD process against targets set out in the briefs.
• Manage EPD projects.
• Work closely with the Culinary, Technical, Packaging and Procurement teams
• Project and Critical Path Management
• To produce concept samples on time for presentation to customers, along with Submission forms.
• Ensure the accurate recording of information regarding final product sign off, processes, new ingredients and packaging. Handover folders to be transferred in a timely manner to Finance, Technical, Operations, Planning & procurement.
• Continually assess current products, to recommend and redevelop where necessary to ensure they reflect current market requirements.
• Ensure that the appropriate records are produced and retained, recording all product development activity. All records to be kept up-to-date and available.
• Liaise with Technical Manager to ensure bacteriological and chemical standards of new products is adhered to.
• Assume overall responsibility for the safety of self and others whilst at work ensuring that all requirements as trained and laid down within the Company handbook, Company Health and Safety and Hygiene policies are implemented, adhered to, monitored and maintained.
• Ensuring that our development kitchen is an inspirational yet functional workspace that is kept clean, tidy & hygienic at all times, identifying where investment is required if necessary.
• Act as an ‘ambassador’ for Pilgrims, ensuring professional conduct, approach and personal presentation at all times.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Experience

• Experience in Project management, critical path and NPD Stage Gate management
• Excellent time management and organisation
• Experienced and resilient problem-solver
• Keen eye for detail
• 2+ years experience in the food industry
• Proven track record with launching new products and effective planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent IT skills for writing, accessing, analysing and reporting of data.
• Power point presentations
• Good working knowledge of excel spreadsheets and formula writing.
• Proven experience driving an exciting food culture that puts our products at the heart of what we do.
  
  

Experience/Qualifications

• Degree in food or relevant qualification
  
  

Equivalent transferable experience within Food manufacturing