New Product Development Technologist - Bakery

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.; Northwich; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd. is seeking an experienced New Product Development Technologist to join a leading bakery-focused team in the UK. The role centers on developing and launching high-quality bread products that meet consumer demand and commercial targets.

You will lead NPD/EPD projects, maintain documentation, and stay ahead of market trends. A strong bakery background and project management skills are essential for driving innovative concepts and collaborating with suppliers and

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or Bakery and Patisserie.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a Product Development or NPD Technologist role.
• Proven bakery manufacturing sector experience.
• Knowledge of retailer NPD systems and packaging.
• Strong project management and deadline discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support bread NPD and EPD projects from concept through to launch.
• Maintain accurate product development documentation for branded and own-label products.
• Stay ahead of consumer trends, market insights, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities.
• Develop innovative concepts and support the long-term innovation pipeline.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships, understanding consumer needs and market drivers.
• Support customer visits and presentations as required.
• Work closely with commercial and costing teams to ensure products meet customer and business targets.
• Collaborate with strategic suppliers to drive innovation and leverage technical expertise.
• Ensure development activities comply with internal quality systems, BRC standards, and customer requirements.
• Partner with Technical teams on allergen management, HACCP, and product compliance.
• Provide troubleshooting and technical support to Operations, including harvest transitions and cost-engineering projects.

Skills

Bakery product development

Strong communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Food Science or Bakery and Patisserie

Job description

New Product Development Technologist - Bakery

Location: Cheshire

Salary: up to £40,000

Reporting into: Head of NPD

Are you passionate about bakery innovation and ready to bring exciting new bread products to market?

We're seeking a talented NPD Technologist to join a leading UK food manufacturing business during an exciting period of growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced bakery professional to play a key role in developing and launching high-quality products that delight consumers and meet evolving market demands.

The Role

As an integral member of the NPD team, you will be responsible for developing and reformulating products that meet consumer expectations, quality standards, and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support a range of bread NPD and EPD projects from concept through to launch.
• Maintain accurate product development documentation for branded and own-label products.
• Stay ahead of consumer trends, market insights, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities.
• Develop innovative concepts and support the long-term innovation pipeline.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships, understanding consumer needs and market drivers.
• Support customer visits and presentations as required.
• Work closely with commercial and costing teams to ensure products achieve both customer and business targets.
• Collaborate with strategic suppliers to drive innovation and leverage technical expertise.
• Ensure all development activities comply with internal quality systems, BRC standards, and customer requirements.
• Partner closely with Technical teams on allergen management, HACCP, and product compliance.
• Provide troubleshooting and technical support to Operations, including harvest transitions and cost-engineering projects.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines technical excellence with commercial awareness and a genuine passion for food.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree in Food Science or Bakery and Patisserie
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a Product Development or NPD Technologist role.
• Proven experience within the bakery manufacturing sector.
• Strong understanding of bakery ingredients, food processing, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience managing products through the full development lifecycle.
• Knowledge of retailer NPD systems and processes, ideally within major UK retail accounts.
• Understanding of food labelling legislation, nutritional information, product specifications, raw material specifications, and packaging requirements.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against critical path deadlines.
• Awareness of current developments in food science, sensory science, legislation, and technology.

Personal Attributes

• A genuine foodie with a passion for innovation and product excellence.
• Collaborative and team-focused approach.
• Strong attention to detail with a completer-finisher mindset.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Adaptable, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Confident influencing colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Eager to take ownership and drive projects forward.

Unfortunately, this company cannot consider candidates who currently hold a PSW Visa.