NPD Technologist — Snack & Confectionery Innovation

Humdinger; Sherburn in Elmet; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days + bank holidays annual leave

4% employer pension and 5% employee

Life assurance x4 basic salary

Salary sacrifice schemes including pay

Healthcare cash plan via Paycare

Job summary

Humdinger is seeking an NPD Technologist at our Sherburn in Elmet site to drive development from concept to launch. You will coordinate trials, manage samples, and ensure compliance with customer codes of practice and internal standards.

The role supports the NPD Manager and Innovations Team throughout the development process. Candidates should hold a food science degree and have practical product development experience, especially in snacking or confectionery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related technical subject.
• Practical experience in developing food products, ideally in snacking or confectionery.
• Excellent communication skills at technical and commercial levels.
• Strong team player, adaptable to changing priorities.
• Good IT skills and experience with recipe management systems.
• Solid project management and organisational skills.
• Detail-conscious and able to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Follow the NPD development timeline, ensuring all requirements (ingredients, equipment, cost, HACCP, Recipe Professor, etc.) are met by liaising with internal and external teams.
• Manage sample requests, developing samples as needed and keeping the NPD Manager and Innovations Team updated on progress.
• Work with Supplier Assurance to ensure new raw materials meet customer codes of practice and company standards.
• Record weights, process methods, and recipes in the Recipe Professor system, updating throughout the development cycle.
• Complete Feasibility Assessments with Operations, Technical, and Supply Chain teams, identifying risks before customer presentations.
• Document and track the Bill of Materials to ensure accuracy from development to launch.
• Send 'Sent sample' emails with sign-off comments from NPD Manager.
• Assist the Packaging Developer in defining pack sizes and coordinate trials with the Factory to meet critical path timelines.
• Ensure post-trial reports are documented and actions followed up for a successful launch.
• Attend internal and customer-facing meetings, providing regular updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

IT skills

Recipe management systems

Project management

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Technology

Tools

Recipe management systems

Job description

Humdinger is seeking an NPD Technologist at our Sherburn in Elmet site to drive development from concept to launch. You will coordinate trials, manage samples, and ensure compliance with customer codes of practice and internal standards.

The role supports the NPD Manager and Innovations Team throughout the development process. Candidates should hold a food science degree and have practical product development experience, especially in snacking or confectionery.