Development Technologist

Drnewitt; Leicester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Employee discount

On-site parking

Sick pay

Job summary

Drnewitt is seeking a creative NPD professional to lead formulation and development of premium food products from concept to launch for major retailers and luxury brands in the East Midlands. You will balance cutting‑edge processing with artisanal authenticity and drive shelf-life and sensory excellence.

The role requires a degree in Food Science or equivalent, hands-on product development experience, and a data‑driven, customer‑focused approach to deliver commercially successful products.

Qualifications

• Qualified to degree level in a relevant Food Science subject.
• Product development experience from concept through to commercial launch.
• Customer-focused approach and strong knowledge of ingredients and processing technologies.
• Experience with HACCP, quality standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and development of food products from concept to launch for major retailers and luxury brands.
• Explore new processing technologies while preserving artisanal authenticity.
• Develop premium shelf-life solutions without compromising sensory quality.
• Conduct sensory evaluation, analytical testing and consumer validation.
• Collaborate with chefs, flavour houses, ingredient specialists and partners.

Skills

NPD

Food science

Regulatory compliance

Pilot plant scale-up

Cross-functional collaboration

Sensory analysis

Cost management

Data-driven decisions

Education

Degree in Food Science

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a creative NPD professional for a rare opportunity to join a prestigious, market leading Food Manufacturer based in the East Midlands.

Food Manufacturing experience from kitchen concept to launch is essential, but passion, creative flair & a positive attitude are just as important for this role.

The Role;

• Lead formulation and development of exceptional food products from concept to launch for major retailers & high‑end luxury brands
• Explore cutting‑edge processing technologies while preserving artisanal authenticity.
• Develop premium shelf‑life solutions without compromising sensory quality.
• Conduct sensory evaluation, analytical testing, and consumer validation.
• Collaborate with chefs, flavour houses, ingredient specialists, and research partners.

What you’ll bring;

• Qualified to degree level, or equivalent, in a relevant Food Science subject.
• Product development expertise from concept creation through to commercial launch
• Customer and consumer‑focused approach to commercially successful product development
• Strong knowledge of food science, ingredients, and processing technologies
• Experience developing innovative food and beverage products aligned with consumer trends
• Ability to conduct formulation, recipe development, and product optimization
• Understanding of food safety, HACCP, quality standards, and regulatory requirements
• Experience managing product trials, pilot plant runs, and scale‑up activities
• Capability to troubleshoot technical and manufacturing challenges
• Knowledge of nutritional requirements, labelling, and compliance regulations
• Experience working cross‑functionally with R&D, Marketing, Procurement, Operations, and Quality teams
• Data‑driven decision‑making using sensory, analytical, and consumer testing results
• Cost management and value engineering skills to meet commercial target
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Pay: £32-38k DOE

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• On‑site parking
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate;

• East Midlands; either reliably commute or plan to relocate before start date