Kitchen Assistant / Product Development Technologist

Princes Limited; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable food company in Liverpool seeks a Product Development Support role to assist in product panel preparation and documentation. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Food Science and over a year of relevant experience. Responsibilities include preparing kitchen samples, maintaining project documentation, and assisting in internal meetings. The position offers a hybrid work model with excellent benefits including a generous leave policy and a significant pension contribution.

Benefits

25 Days Annual Leave plus Birthday off

14.5% Pension

Hybrid & Flexible Working

Flexible Holiday Option

Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies

Critical Illness Cover

Learning & Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of product development experience in food/drink manufacturing.
• Fluent in creating presentations and using IT systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare products and conduct internal panels.
• Maintain documentation of Product Development work.
• Assist in monthly meetings about Product Development projects.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Passion for food and trends

Education

Degree in Food Science or related discipline

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Support the Development Department in preparing and conducting product panels to internal and external customers. To make, document, and send product samples to customers in accordance with internal Product Development procedures / customer codes of practice. To always ensure the smooth running of Product Development areas, maintaining a high level of GMP and hygienic practice. Dimensions: Supporting Product Development for a specified area of the business (Category, Group of categories, Site). Launches of many products each year for Branded and Customer Own Brand (COB) manufacturing portfolio. Internal contacts: Procurement / Brand Marketing / Technical / Project Management / Commercial Innovation / Operations / Sales. External contacts: Suppliers & Customers.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all products and conduct internal panels (both branded and COB) and document results.
• Update and maintain all current Retailer Benchmarking documents and create new ones when required.
• Shop for products and ingredients when required to facilitate panels.
• Prepare kitchen samples/products in application in accordance with Product Development procedures.
• Ensure all sample products are made/assessed in accordance with customer codes of practice.
• Ensure all samples from kitchen and relevant trials are prepared for internal and sent off for external approval in an organised and timely manner.
• Maintain paperwork / IT system to provide a documented trail of Product Development work undertaken.
• Maintain an organised kitchen environment.
• Support meetings regarding Product Development projects / feasibility and challenges with relevant site / business functions.
• Collaborate with Procurement to arrange and deliver samples/ingredients required to site.
• Assist with internal supplier and customer visits when required.
• Assist in other Product Development activities where required, such as external presentations to customers alongside Lead Product Development Manager.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or related discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience > 1 year of product development from concept to manufacture within a food/drink manufacturing environment.
• A passion for food, trends, and consumer direction.
• Good interpersonal skills and skilled in making presentations.
• Computer literate with competency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Benefits

• 25 Days Annual Leave plus Birthday off
• 14.5% Pension - 5% employee opt in / 9.5% employer
• Hybrid & Flexible Working - 4 Days in Office / 1 Day WFH
• Flexible Holiday Option - Buy 5 Additional Days
• Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies
• Critical Illness Cover
• Learning & Development Opportunities