Assistant Development Technologist, Assistant Development Technologist

Pilgrim's Europe; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Development Technologist at our Craigavon site to support the creation, development and launch of new products. You will assist with innovation, transfers from trials through to launch, and work closely with Product Development Managers and cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and a passion for food innovation.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise workload.
• Good IT skills and proficient in standard office software.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivated with initiative and reliability.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel occasionally.
• Experience in a factory, food manufacturing, or product development environment beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support Product Development Managers and technologists in delivering development projects.
• Prepare kitchen concepts and samples to agreed specifications.
• Order ingredients and raw materials for development work.
• Raise sample requests and complete all documentation accurately.
• Label samples with cooking instructions and relevant information.
• Maintain high standard of communication with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Keep kitchen and work areas clean, organised and audit-ready.
• Manage individual project work and meet deadlines.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Operations, Technical, Process, and Packaging teams for launches.
• Assist with customer visits, supplier meetings and factory trials.
• Produce accurate cooking instruction guidelines.
• Keep work plans up to date and ensure tasks are completed.

Skills

Communication

Organisational skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Initiative

Driving licence

Travel flexibility

Education

Food industry qualification

Job description

Assistant Development Technologist

Passionate about food innovation and product development? We're looking for a proactive and organised Assistant Development Technologist at our Craigavon site to support the creation, development, and launch of exciting new products. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for food, strong attention to detail, and a desire to develop a successful career within Product Development.

The Role

As a Product Development Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting innovation, new product development, existing product improvements, and product transfers from factory trials through to successful launch. Working closely with Product Development Managers, Senior Technologists, and cross-functional teams, you will help ensure projects are delivered efficiently, accurately, and on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Product Development Managers, Senior Technologists and Technologists in delivering innovation and development projects.
• Prepare kitchen concepts and product samples to agreed specifications.
• Order ingredients and raw materials required for development work.
• Raise sample requests and complete all associated documentation accurately.
• Ensure samples are correctly labelled and include relevant cooking instructions and supporting information.
• Maintain high standards of communication with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Keep kitchen and work areas clean, organised, and audit-ready.
• Manage individual project work and meet agreed deadlines.
• Collaborate effectively with Commercial, Operations, Technical, Process, Packaging, and other key teams to support successful product launches.
• Assist with customer visits, supplier meetings, factory trials, and corporate events where required.
• Produce accurate cooking instruction guidelines.
• Keep work plans up to date and ensure all assigned tasks are completed.

What We're Looking For

You will be enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Excellent communication skills and a passion for food innovation and product development.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Good IT skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivated with the confidence to use initiative.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and gain the trust of colleagues.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Flexibility to travel occasionally for business requirements and training.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Project management experience.
• Sound technical knowledge of food manufacturing or product development.
• Practical experience within a factory, food manufacturing, or product development environment.
• Relevant food industry qualification and/or industry experience.

What Success Looks Like

• Ingredients and materials are available when required.
• Samples are prepared and distributed accurately and on time.
• Documentation is completed correctly and maintained to a high standard.
• Individual projects are managed and delivered successfully.
• Kitchen and development areas are maintained to excellent standards.
• Work plans are current, organised, and effectively managed.
• Cooking instructions are completed accurately and within deadlines.

Our Values

At Pilgrim's, Our Values Shape Everything We Do

• Availability - We are open, responsive and ready to embrace new challenges.
• Humility - We listen, respect one another and value different perspectives.
• Discipline - We honour our commitments and deliver on our promises.
• Sincerity - We are honest, respectful and authentic in our interactions.
• Simplicity, Ownership & Determination - We focus on what matters, take responsibility for our actions, and work hard to achieve success.

If you're looking to build your career in food product development and want to be part of a dynamic, innovative team, we'd love to hear from you.