Product Technologist

Our client, a fast growing business within the food product manufacturing industry, is looking to welcome a new Product Technologist to join their team. This role would provide great growth and opportunity for the right candidate!

Product Development

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• Develop innovative bakery products in line with business objectives and customer requirements.
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• Create original bakery products and recipes to meet customer briefs and commercial expectations.
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• Manage products throughout the full concept-to-launch process, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.
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• Demonstrate a strong passion for food, baking, and product innovation, with the ability to identify and incorporate current market trends into new product development.
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• Accurately document recipes, methods, and development records in accordance with internal product development procedures.
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• Prepare preliminary recipe costings during development to ensure products meet target cost requirements.
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• Coordinate product samples, packaging, and distribution for customer submissions, ensuring products are presented to a consistently high standard and delivered on time.
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• Carry out initial shelf-life and transport suitability assessments for new product concepts where required.
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• Complete all relevant documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including product submission forms, specifications, development handovers, and new ingredient requests.
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• Work alongside Process Development and Technical teams to complete shelf-life validation throughout the development process, considering formulation, packaging, production environment, and storage conditions while ensuring accurate documentation before full-scale production.
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• Collaborate with Technical and Production teams to support factory trials, pre-production runs, and product launches.
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• Partner with Procurement to source and evaluate new ingredients for product development.
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• Ensure any new equipment or raw materials required for product launches receive the necessary approvals and are available before production begins.
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• Develop all new products and product modifications in accordance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
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• Maintain comprehensive records of product development, including recipe documentation, design history, and photographic records.
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• Conduct competitor benchmarking and market research to maintain awareness of industry trends and emerging product opportunities.
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• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe product development kitchen and workspace, promoting good housekeeping and food safety practices at all times.
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Communication Responsibilities

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• Attend internal meetings and project briefings, ensuring effective communication and clear handovers between teams.
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• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, clients, and commercial stakeholders throughout the product development process.
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• Represent the organisation professionally at internal and external meetings when required.
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• Support promotional activities, exhibitions, and product events to help showcase products and increase market awareness.
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• Respond professionally and promptly to customer enquiries, correspondence, and telephone communications.
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Skills and Experience

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• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
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• Basic Food Safety certification or training.
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• Full driving licence preferred but not essential.
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• Highly organised, proactive, and self-motivated, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.
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