Junior New Product Development Chef / NPD Assistant

manucomm recruitment; Ivybridge; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

We are seeking a Junior New Product Development Chef / NPD Assistant to join an award-winning food manufacturing company in Ivybridge. You will develop jams, chutneys, pickles and sauces from concept through to launch, working hands-on in the NPD kitchen and with production teams to ensure quality, cost and commercial fit.

The role involves recipe development, costings, factory trials and scale-up, collaborating with NPD, Technical, Production, Purchasing and Sales to meet customer and

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing, NPD or catering.
• Passion for food with strong practical cooking ability.
• Creative, methodical and highly organised with attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Positive, proactive team player.

Responsibilities

• Develop and prepare new products and samples in the NPD kitchen.
• Experiment with ingredients, recipes and production methods and improve existing products.
• Maintain accurate recipes, development records and product information.
• Complete product costings and coordinate approval of new ingredients and packaging.
• Organise and support factory trials and product scale‑up.
• Work with Technical on specifications, labelling and customer information.
• Liaise with suppliers to identify new and improved ingredients.
• Work closely with Production to ensure products are practical and commercially viable.

Skills

NPD experience

Food manufacturing

Culinary skills

Excel

Communication

Time management

Education

Food Science / Food Technology degree

Tools

MS Office

Word

Outlook

Job description

Junior New Product Development Chef / NPD Assistant

Award winning Food manufacturing company

Reports to: NPD Manager

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Ivybridge

£26000 - 28,000 DOE

Job Purpose

We are looking for a passionate and creative Junior New Product Development Chef / NPD assistant to join our team and develop high-quality jams, chutneys, pickles and sauces from initial concept through to launch. This is a hands‑on role for someone who loves food, enjoys experimenting with ingredients and processes, and has the patience and attention to detail to refine recipes until they are perfect.You'll work closely with production to ensure new and existing products meet quality, cost and commercial requirements. The role combines hands‑on product development in the NPD kitchen with recipe development, costing, factory trials and production set‑up. You'll work closely with NPD, Technical, Production, Purchasing, Sales and suppliers to ensure products meet customer, quality, food safety and commercial requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and prepare new products and samples in the NPD kitchen.
• Experiment with ingredients, recipes and production methods and improve existing products.
• Maintain accurate recipes, development records and product information.
• Complete product costings and coordinate approval of new ingredients and packaging.
• Organise and support factory trials and product scale‑up.
• Work with Technical on specifications, labelling and customer information.
• Liaise with suppliers to identify new and improved ingredients.
• Work closely with Production to ensure products are practical and commercially viable.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in food manufacturing, NPD or catering.
• Genuine passion for food with strong practical cooking ability.
• Creative, methodical and highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication, problem‑solving and time‑management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Positive, proactive "can-do" attitude and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience conducting factory trials or product development.

Who This Role Could Suit

This role could suit a candidate who has previously worked as an NPD Assistant, NPD Technician, Technical Assistant, Cook or Chef, or a Food Science / Food Technology graduate looking to develop their career in food product development. The role is commutable from Plymouth, Plympton, Newton Abbot and Totnes, as well as surrounding areas.