Product Development Technologist, Product Development Technologist

Pilgrim's Europe; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe in Craigavon is seeking a Product Development Technologist to lead end-to-end NPD and drive innovative food concepts from concept through to launch. You'll collaborate with site teams, customers and cross-functional partners to transform briefs into viable products, ensuring compliance with codes of practice, allergens, and sustainability goals.

A passion for food and strong organisation are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development or food manufacturing environment is advantageous but not essential.
• Understanding of product costing, ingredient sourcing, packaging, or supply chain processes would be beneficial.
• Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of customer-focused and commercially viable NPD and EPD projects.
• Assist in transforming customer briefs and innovation ideas into successful product launches.
• Ensure products meet customer codes of practice, legislative requirements, allergen standards, sustainability objectives, and welfare standards.
• Contribute to innovation sessions, customer presentations, and product ideation activities.
• Help identify opportunities for product improvement, value creation, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Flexibility to travel for training and business requirements such as customer submissions and supplier visits.

Skills

Project management

Analytical mindset

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant food industry qualification and/or practical experience

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Marketing, Business, or equivalent qualification is desirable

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

About The Role

Are you passionate about food innovation and bringing exciting new products to market? We are looking for a Product Development Technologist to join our dynamic Product Development team.

In this role, you will work closely with site teams, customers, chefs, and cross-functional stakeholders to support the end-to-end development of new and existing food products, from initial concept through to successful launch. You will play a vital role in delivering customer-focused development and innovation, supporting business growth, and helping to shape the future food agenda at Pilgrim's Europe.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for food, strong organisational skills, and a desire to develop a career in New Product Development (NPD).

Location: Craigavon

Product Development Technologist

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Support the delivery of customer-focused and commercially viable NPD and EPD projects.
• Assist in transforming customer briefs and innovation ideas into successful product launches.
• Ensure products meet customer codes of practice, legislative requirements, allergen standards, sustainability objectives, and welfare standards.
• Contribute to innovation sessions, customer presentations, and product ideation activities.
• Help identify opportunities for product improvement, value creation, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Flexibility to travel for training and business requirements such as customer submissions and supplier visits. Full UK driving license is essential.

Project Management

• Support projects through the development gate process, ensuring all information is accurately maintained within recipe management systems.
• Build recipes and products to generate accurate submissions forms and costings.
• Assist and delegate the preparation of customer product submission samples.
• Assist with project planning, critical path management, and cross-functional communication.
• Support artwork approval processes to ensure compliance with legal and customer requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Commercial, Operations, Procurement, Technical, NPI, and Customer teams to deliver projects successfully.
• Support feasibility assessments for new products, ingredients, processes, and packaging solutions.
• Participate in customer visits and presentations.
• Maintain documentation to support internal and external audit requirements.

Market & Consumer Insight

• Stay informed about food, consumer, restaurant, and market trends.
• Monitor competitor activity and emerging food innovations.
• Support the development of customer roadmaps aligned with market trends and site capabilities.
• Bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to future innovation and NPD projects.

About You

We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic about food, highly organised, and enjoys working in a collaborative environment.

Skills & Experience

• Experience within a Product Development or food manufacturing environment is advantageous but not essential.
• Understanding of product costing, ingredient sourcing, packaging, or supply chain processes would be beneficial.
• Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with cross-functional or geographically diverse teams would be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Relevant food industry qualification and/or practical experience.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Marketing, Business, or equivalent qualification is desirable.

Why Join Pilgrim's Europe?

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

• Availability - We are open, responsive, and ready to embrace new challenges.
• Humility - We listen, collaborate, and value the views of others.
• Discipline - We consistently deliver on our commitments.
• Sincerity - We act with honesty, respect, and integrity.
• Ownership - We take responsibility and make things happen.
• Determination - We strive for excellence and continuous improvement.
• Simplicity - We focus on what matters most to achieve success.

If you're passionate about food innovation and want to be part of a business that is shaping the future of the industry, we'd love to hear from you.