Innovation and Development Technologist

Trades Workforce Solutions; Leyland; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation company based in Leyland is seeking an NPD / I&D Technologist. This role involves hands-on product development with a focus on pizza and bakery products. Ideal candidates will have 1–2 years of experience in product development and a passion for food. The company offers a supportive environment, excellent work-life balance, and opportunities for career progression. The role includes hybrid working with just 2 days on-site each week.

Benefits

Excellent work-life balance

Hybrid working

Well-rounded package

Qualifications

• 1–2 years’ experience as an NPD / I&D / Product Development Technologist.
• Exposure to bakery or fermented products is a plus.
• Curious, creative, and excited by food trends.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on development, tasting, benchmarking and innovation.
• Work on pizza and bakery-led products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, ops and quality.

Job description

Overview

If food is what gets you out of bed in the morning – and pizza is your love language – this one’s worth a look.

We’re working with one of the biggest and most loved brands in frozen pizza. You’ll find their products in every major supermarket, convenience store, and even parts of out-of-home foodservice. This is a proper, household-name business with scale, heritage, and a genuine passion for great food.

They’re now looking for an I&D / NPD Technologist to join their pizza team in Leyland – a brilliant opportunity for someone early in their career who wants to learn fast, develop properly, and work on products people actually eat every day.

Why this role?

• A genuinely foodie job – lots of hands-on development, tasting, benchmarking and innovation
• Work on pizza and bakery-led products, with a real focus on crusts, fermentation and quality
• Be part of a business that invests in its people, treats them well, and promotes from within
• Excellent work–life balance (this is not a burn-out culture)
• Hybrid working – just 2 days a week on site in Leyland
• A well-rounded package that reflects how much they value their team

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Has 1–2 years’ experience as an NPD / I&D / Product Development Technologist
• Has exposure to bakery or fermented products (pizza experience is a big plus, not a must)
• Is curious, creative, and excited by new ideas and food trends
• Loves being in the kitchen and working cross-functionally with marketing, ops and quality
• Wants to build a long-term career with a high-quality, well-known food brand

You don’t need to tick every box – if you’re early in your career, passionate about food, and want to grow in a supportive, high-performing environment, this business is very open-minded.

If you’d like to work on iconic frozen pizza brands, learn from experienced foodies, and actually enjoy your job while doing it – let’s talk 🍕