Application Specialist (NPD)

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.; Bicester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in Oxfordshire is seeking an Application Specialist to join their New Product Development team. This role is pivotal in managing product development projects, enhancing technical expertise, and fostering relationships with suppliers. Candidates should have proven experience in the food industry and strong skills in project management. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for professional development

Innovative work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in product development within the food industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of formulating with enzymes and emulsifiers.
• Excellent project management skills, with experience following structured development processes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver product development projects following the stage & gate process.
• Collaborate with key suppliers and investigate new ingredient technologies.
• Identify product gaps and develop solutions.

Skills

Product development experience

Technical knowledge of enzymes and emulsifiers

Project management skills

Collaborative relationship development

Excellent communication skills

Proactive health and safety approach

Job description

Application Specialist

• Location: Oxfordshire
• Job Type: Full-time
• Salary: £35000 - £45000 DOE
• Department: New Product Development

Join our innovative New Product Development team as an Application Specialist. This role is crucial in collaborating with technical, application, and commercial teams to deliver exceptional projects that exceed customer expectations. You will be instrumental in driving product, process, efficiency, and cost improvements, significantly contributing to new product development and launches.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Deliver product development projects following the stage & gate process.
• Increase technical expertise to deliver solutions to customer requests, particularly in developing products for industrial bread plants and formulating with enzymes and emulsifiers.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key ingredient suppliers, embedding within their teams to stay ahead of innovation and developments.
• Collaborate with key suppliers and Group Purchasing to source and investigate new ingredient technologies, communicating potential benefits to the wider development teams.
• Identify product 'gaps' and develop products and technology to address these needs.
• Ensure projects are delivered in a controlled manner, prioritizing projects to maximize value and ensuring launches are right the first time by using accurate data and collaborating closely with all departments.
• Represent NPD in front of key customers and suppliers, ensuring high standards and strong professional relationships.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in product development within the food industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of formulating with enzymes and emulsifiers.
• Excellent project management skills, with experience following structured development processes.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong, collaborative cross-functional relationships.
• Excellent communication skills, adaptable to different stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to health and safety, working collaboratively with the wider H&S team.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.
• Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and quality.

Please apply with your up-to-date CV.

Reed Food & FMCG