NPI Technologist, NPI Technologist

Pilgrim's Europe; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe in Craigavon is seeking an enthusiastic NPI Technologist to support new product launches from concept through to production. You will work within our Product & Innovation Team, coordinating trials, validating processes and ensuring technical requirements are met while delivering on customer expectations.

Reporting to the NPI Manager, you will collaborate with NPD, Commercial, Engineering, Production and Quality to hit milestones, improve efficiency and maintain compliant

Qualifications

• Experience working in a food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of food safety, legislation and product labelling.
• Strong organizational and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support the management of NPI projects from concept to launch.
• Coordinate trials, validate processes and document approvals.
• Collaborate with NPD, Commercial, Production and Quality teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and product quality.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Food manufacturing experience

Food safety knowledge

Education

Relevant food industry qualification or experience in Product Development / NPI

Job description

NPI Technologist

Craigavon

Join Our Product & Innovation Team

Are you passionate about food innovation, product development and bringing exciting new products to market? At Pilgrim's Europe, we are looking for an enthusiastic and driven NPI Technologist to support the successful delivery of new product launches from concept through to production.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure products are launched right first time while meeting customer expectations, technical standards and business objectives.

About The Role

Reporting to the NPI Manager or Senior NPI Technologist, you will support the management of commercially approved products throughout the development and launch process. You will help coordinate trials, validate processes, ensure technical requirements are met and drive projects through key milestones to achieve successful product launches.

You will also play a key role in continuous improvement activities, identifying opportunities to improve production efficiency, profitability and product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of successful "right first time" product launches.
• Assist in managing day-to-day NPI activities and project timelines.
• Work closely with NPD, Commercial, Customer, Engineering, Production and Quality teams to ensure launch targets are achieved.
• Coordinate product trials and first production runs, ensuring all documentation is completed and approved.
• Support technical validation activities including nutritional analysis, shelf-life verification and cooking validations.
• Assist with developing and improving factory processes to meet customer and site requirements.
• Help prepare Quality Attribute Sheets, pack sheets and stage photography for launches.
• Support artwork sign-off processes and technical specification reviews.
• Attend and coordinate pre-launch meetings, ensuring all launch documentation is in place.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, yield improvements and line efficiency enhancements.
• Maintain and update NPI documentation and controlled records.
• Ensure all Health & Safety standards and procedures are followed.
• Support delivery of Product & Innovation KPI targets and business objectives.
• Analyse current production processes and recommend improvements, including potential equipment investments.
• Travel to other sites and customer locations when required.

What We're Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working in a food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of food safety, legislation and product labelling requirements.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Confidence in managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• A passion for continuous improvement and delivering results.

Desirable

• Relevant food industry qualification and/or experience in Product Development, NPI or Food Manufacturing.

Leadership & Development

As part of the role, you may assist with coaching and supporting colleagues, contributing to performance discussions, development planning and employee engagement initiatives to help build a high-performing team culture.

Why Join Pilgrim's Europe?

At Pilgrim's Europe, Our Values Shape Everything We Do

• Availability - We embrace new challenges and opportunities.
• Humility - We listen, respect and value others' opinions.
• Discipline - We deliver on our commitments.
• Sincerity - We are open, honest and respectful.
• Ownership - We take responsibility and drive results.
• Determination - We strive for excellence in everything we do.
• Simplicity - We focus on what matters most.

If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact, help launch innovative products and contribute to one of Europe's leading food businesses, we'd love to hear from you.