Product Development Technologist

Are you looking to start or continue your career in New Product Development? We have a new opportunity for a Product Development Technologist to join our NPD team in Middlesbrough!About The Compleat Food GroupAt The Compleat Food Group, were proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, were on a mission to create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.Were home to some of the UKs most exciting and loved food brands, including Walls Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, were a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UKs major retailers, as well as across foodservice.With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, were united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.Location : MiddlesbroughHours : Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 5pm and Friday: 8:30am - 4pm with some travelsSalary : £28,000 per annumJob Purpose:To support the development teams with product development activities and fostering positive relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.Key Duties, Responsibilities & Accountabilities:Support the Development and Culinary teams in the creation and refinement of recipes in line with customer requirements and expectationsBeing actively involved in the kitchen with the creation of samples and food for key meetingsSupport in the organisation and set up of customer and internal presentations and eventsCo-ordinate sample requests obtaining samples, booking couriers, liaising with relevant parties to ensure timely delivery of samplesSupport product developers with completion of NPD documents, e.g. submission forms, feasibility and handover documentsSupport in the maintenance of Recipe Professor for the siteAssist with the sourcing and viability of new raw materials from an operational, technical and product development perspectiveFollow the critical path timelines - escalating incomplete tasks and risks to prevent delays in product approval and launch.Assist with customer specification information collection and approval of artworkComplete benchmarking documents, store visits, support panels to develop sound understanding of existing (EPD) and New Product Development (NPD)Support the site process team on trials, data collection and factory paperwork when requiredThis role requires product tasting across multiple categories and may include meat-based productsKnowledge, Skills and Experience:Passion to start or continue career in New Product DevelopmentFood based / Culinary qualification - desirableKeen interest in foodConfident in the kitchenPositive, can-do attitudeKnowledge of product launch process (advantageous)Excellent communication skills both verbal and writtenGood planning, organisation and project management skillsGood analytical and numeracy skillsAttention to detailGood level of computer literacy Word, Excel, Powerpoint, TeamsUnderstanding of UK and European food regulation and legislationDriving LicenceWhy Join Us?At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. Thats why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing and career growth:Financial & Lifestyle Benefits:Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART PensionAnnual leave with the option to purchase extraHoliday Discounts via our online retail platformAccess to enhanced retail discounts online and in-storeFree product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first handEV charging points - available at selected sitesHealth & Wellbeing:24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional, and practical supportPhysical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise classes, gym discountsFree diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipesOnline wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resourcesFinancial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aidCareer Growth & Development:Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your rolePerformance Development Plans and regular Career ConversationsCompany Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journeyRecognition through Club Compleat rewardsCommunity & Culture:2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to youCharity initiatives and fundraising eventsTeam socials to connect and celebrate togetherEmployee networks & support groups - including Women @ CompleatNew baby gift for new parentsWhat You Should Know About How We RecruitWe hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever youre from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. Our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and designed to give everyone an equal chance.Youll also find benefits that support people at every life stage, plus active internal networks including Women @ Compleat, LGBTQIA+, and NeurodiversityREF-229 708TPBN1_UKTJ