Senior NPD Technologist

Alexander Steele Recruitment; Bradford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Alexander Steele Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior NPD Technologist for a fast-paced food manufacturer in Bradford. The role focuses on developing and launching innovative products from concept to production, collaborating with retailer and branded ranges.

You will lead cross-functional teams, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with food safety and retailer standards while driving successful product launches and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing or product development.
• Strong understanding of NPD processes and retailer expectations.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and quality standards.
• Creative, organised, and commercially aware.
• Full UK driving licence preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead new product development projects from concept to launch.
• Interpret customer briefs and develop innovative product solutions.
• Conduct recipe development, reformulation, and product testing.
• Organise factory trials and support product scale-up activities.
• Complete product documentation and maintain project records.
• Coordinate nutritional, shelf-life, and cooking validation testing.
• Work with suppliers to source ingredients and support approvals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen, and retailer standards.
• Support customer presentations, sample preparation, and product launches.
• Mentor junior team members and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

NPD processes

Retailer expectations

Project management

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Driving licence

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Senior NPD Technologist to join a fast-paced food manufacturing business. This role will focus on developing and launching innovative food products from concept through to production, working across retailer and branded ranges.

You will work closely with technical, procurement, commercial, and production teams to deliver high-quality, commercially successful products while supporting and mentoring junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead new product development projects from concept to launch.
• Interpret customer briefs and develop innovative product solutions.
• Conduct recipe development, reformulation, and product testing.
• Organise factory trials and support product scale-up activities.
• Complete product documentation and maintain project records.
• Coordinate nutritional, shelf-life, and cooking validation testing.
• Work with suppliers to source ingredients and support approvals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen, and retailer standards.
• Support customer presentations, sample preparation, and product launches.
• Mentor junior team members and support continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

• Experience within food manufacturing or product development.
• Strong understanding of NPD processes and retailer expectations.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and quality standards.
• Creative, organised, and commercially aware.
• Full UK driving licence preferred.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.