NPD Technologist — Food Innovation & Launch

Zest Food Jobs; Slough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Flexible holidays

Free meals

Pension contributions

Learning and development

Job summary

Zest is recruiting an NPD Technologist to join our food development team. You will drive new product concepts from idea through to production handover, ensuring taste, nutrition, and shelf life meet brand standards.

You will manage costing, pricing, supplier engagement, and feasibility analyses, while coordinating with development, technical, operations and supply chain teams. A strong, collaborative mindset and passion for food are essential.

Qualifications

• A genuine love of food and curiosity about new product concepts.
• Experience in new or existing food development within a manufacturing setting.
• Background in food manufacturing, with chilled meals experience being a real plus.
• A degree in Food Technology or Food Science.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept to handover: development, testing, and documentation.
• Oversee costings, pricing, and sourcing for new ingredients and products.
• Coordinate with procurement, technical, and production on specs and approvals.
• Prepare feasibility and handover materials for cross-functional teams.

Skills

Food knowledge

Food development

Chilled meals

Communication

Organizational skills

Can-do attitude

Team player

Education

Degree in Food Technology or Food Science

Job description

Zest is recruiting an NPD Technologist to join our food development team. You will drive new product concepts from idea through to production handover, ensuring taste, nutrition, and shelf life meet brand standards.

You will manage costing, pricing, supplier engagement, and feasibility analyses, while coordinating with development, technical, operations and supply chain teams. A strong, collaborative mindset and passion for food are essential.