Lead NPD Technologist: From Concept to Factory Launch

The Sterling Choice; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sterling Choice is recruiting a Senior NPD Technologist for a food manufacturing operation in Greater Manchester. You will own and steer food development projects from concept through to factory launch, translating approved recipes into safe, scalable products.

This hands-on role involves coordinating trials, managing timelines and collaborating with Operations, Engineering and the wider NPD function to ensure robust technical detail and successful market readiness.

Qualifications

• NPD experience in food manufacturing is essential.
• A Food Science degree or equivalent with knowledge of BRC/HACCP and retailer standards is preferred.
• Ability to lead and develop a small team in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage food development projects from concept through to factory launch.
• Coordinate trials, first production runs and post-launch reviews.
• Balance customer needs with what can be delivered in a manufacturing environment.
• Collaborate with Technical, Operations, Engineering and the wider NPD function.
• Ensure the technical detail behind products is robust, including labelling and packaging.

Skills

NPD coordination

Project management

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Food Science degree

Equivalent qualification

Job description

The Sterling Choice is recruiting a Senior NPD Technologist for a food manufacturing operation in Greater Manchester. You will own and steer food development projects from concept through to factory launch, translating approved recipes into safe, scalable products.

This hands-on role involves coordinating trials, managing timelines and collaborating with Operations, Engineering and the wider NPD function to ensure robust technical detail and successful market readiness.