NPD Technologist

Around Noon; Newry; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Around Noon is a fast-growing, award-winning food-to-go manufacturer known for its creativity, pace and commitment to exceptional quality. The company thrives on innovation and gives people the chance to make a real impact by bringing new ideas to life quickly.

This role supports the NPD team across briefs, trials, launches and documentation, ensuring costed, fit-for-purpose products delivered on time. You will collaborate with NPD, Technical, Production and Commercial teams to meet customer

Qualifications

• Degree or 3rd Level qualification in a food / nutrition related subject.
• 2+ years experience working within the Food Industry & Passionate about delivering new products to the market.
• Commercially focused with an awareness of profitability.
• Evidence of strong organisational, planning and time management abilities.
• Ability to gain and maintain trust and respect of customers, peers and suppliers.
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills. With visible desire and enthusiasm for achieving targets, objectives and continuous improvement in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Keen on detail & delivering work at pace.
• Proven ability to provide solutions and deliver results while working independently and on own initiative.
• Proficient use of computer; Word, Excel, Outlook; online portals & software; using relevant software to deliver data & presentations.
• Ability to work flexibly to ensure business needs are met.
• Able to travel when required with a valid driving licence and vehicle available for business use.

Responsibilities

• Support NPD manager in interpreting customer briefs, present to internal & external stakeholder teams on concepts and ensure products developed are costed accordingly and fit for purpose.
• Plan, coordinate and lead factory trials and product launches for all NPD and EPD projects, ensuring all trial data is accurately captured and recorded.
• Ensure trials are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively, maximising factory resource and minimising waste.
• Complete all post-trial activities, including organoleptic assessment, freeze/thaw and transit suitability testing, and confirmation of quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with NPD, Technical, Production and Commercial teams to deliver products in line with customer briefs and agreed timelines.
• Review and verify product information received from suppliers, providing clear feedback and highlighting any issues or risks.
• Create, maintain and manage accurate documentation to support NPD critical paths and process development.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health & safety, and environmental legislation at all times.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Planning

Time management

Detail oriented

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Food/nutrition degree

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Data presentation tools

Job description

Around Noon is a fast‑growing, award‑winning food‑to‑go manufacturer known for its creativity, pace and commitment to exceptional quality. The company thrives on innovation and gives people the chance to make a real impact by bringing new ideas to life quickly. Its culture is energetic, collaborative and food‑obsessed, driven by teams who take pride in their craft and are always pushing for what’s next in the market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support NPD manager in interpreting customer briefs, present to internal & external stakeholder teams on concepts and ensure products developed are costed accordingly and fit for purpose.
• Plan, coordinate and lead factory trials and product launches for all NPD and EPD projects, ensuring all trial data is accurately captured and recorded.
• Ensure trials are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively, maximising factory resource and minimising waste.
• Complete all post-trial activities, including organoleptic assessment, freeze/thaw and transit suitability testing, and confirmation of quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with NPD, Technical, Production and Commercial teams to deliver products in line with customer briefs and agreed timelines.
• Review and verify product information received from suppliers, providing clear feedback and highlighting any issues or risks.
• Create, maintain and manage accurate documentation to support NPD critical paths and process development.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health & safety, and environmental legislation at all times.
• Degree or 3rd Level qualification in a food / nutrition related subject
• 2+ years experience working within the Food Industry & Passionate about delivering new products to the market
• Commercially focused with an awareness of profitability
• Evidence of strong organisational, planning and time management abilities
• Ability to gain and maintain trust and respect of customers, peers and suppliers.
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills. With visible desire and enthusiasm for achieving targets, objectives and continuous improvement in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Keen on detail & delivering work at pace.
• Proven ability to provide solutions and deliver results while working independently and on own initiative.
• Proficient use of computer; Word, Excel, Outlook; online portals & software; using relevant software to deliver data & presentations.
• Ability to work flexibly to ensure business needs are met.
• Able to travel when required with a valid driving licence and vehicle available for business use.