Graduate / Junior NPD Technologist

Drnewitt; Northwich; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Drnewitt is seeking a Graduate or Junior NPD Technologist to join our Product Development team in Mid Cheshire. The role offers exposure across the full product lifecycle, from concept through to launch, with opportunities to work on real NPD projects and interact with customers, suppliers, and production teams.

Ideal candidates hold a Food Science degree or equivalent, have industry placement experience, and are keen to develop technical, commercial, and customer-facing skills within a

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or related discipline.
• Experience from industrial placement or NPD role in food manufacturing.
• Confident presenting to retail customers.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Organised and commercially aware.

Responsibilities

• Support development of new and existing products from concept to launch.
• Assist with recipe development, product benchmarking and market research.
• Organise and attend factory trials and production scale-ups.
• Prepare product submissions, specifications and technical documentation.
• Work closely with Technical, Production, Procurement and Commercial teams.
• Present products, concepts and project updates to retail customers and stakeholders.
• Monitor food trends and identify opportunities for innovation.

Skills

Food science knowledge

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Market research

Education

BSc in Food Science or related

Job description

Job Description

Graduate / Junior NPD Technologist

Mid Cheshire Location | Easily commutable from Northwich, Winsford, Middlewich, Knutsford, Warrington, Altrincham, Wilmslow, Chester,

Are you a Food Science Graduate with industry placement experience, or an early-career NPD professional looking to accelerate your career within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment?

We're recruiting for an exciting opportunity with a growing and innovative food manufacturer seeking a passionate Graduate or Junior NPD Technologist to join their Product Development team.

This role offers the chance to work across the full product lifecycle, supporting projects from concept through to launch while gaining exposure to customers, suppliers, factory trials and commercial teams.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the development of new and existing food products from concept through to launch.
• Assisting with recipe development, product benchmarking and market research.
• Organising and attending factory trials and production scale-ups.
• Preparing product submissions, specifications and technical documentation.
• Working closely with Technical, Production, Procurement and Commercial teams.
• Presenting products, concepts and project updates to retail customers and stakeholders.
• Monitoring food trends and identifying opportunities for innovation.

What We're Looking For

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related discipline.
• Previous food manufacturing experience through an industrial placement, internship or NPD role.
• Must be confident presenting products, concepts or project updates to retail customers.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Passion for food innovation and new product development.
• Organised, commercially aware and eager to learn.
• Knowledge of retailer expectations and food manufacturing processes would be advantageous.

Why Apply?

• Excellent opportunity for a graduate or junior‑level NPD professional to develop their career.
• Hands‑on involvement in real NPD projects from day one.
• Exposure to major retail customers and exciting product categories.
• Supportive and experienced team environment.
• Genuine opportunities for long‑term career progression.

Location

Based on the Cheshire / Staffordshire border, with easy commuting from Nantwich, Crewe, Sandbach, Middlewich, Winsford, Northwich, Congleton, Newcastle-under-Lyme and surrounding areas.

Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience.

If you're passionate about food innovation and looking for a role where you can develop your technical, commercial and customer‑facing skills, we'd love to hear from you.