Senior NPD Technologist

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Leeds; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK recruitment agency is seeking a Senior NPD Technologist to join a forward-thinking food manufacturer in Leeds. This role focuses on owning the NPD journey, from concept to launch, and involves creating market-driven food products. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years' experience in food product development, excellent project management skills, and proficiency in SAP. The position offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a flexible work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training

Professional development opportunities

Flexibility for work-life balance

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in food product development across NPD projects.
• Strong understanding of technical requirements in the food sector.
• Ability to manage tight project deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Own the NPD journey from concept to launch.
• Craft commercially viable product designs from retailer briefs.
• Analyze market trends to shape food portfolio.

Skills

Food product development

Project management

SAP proficiency

Creative thinking

Clear communication

Tools

SAP

Job description

Location: Leeds

Job Type: Full-time (Fridays WFH!)

Reporting to: New Product Development Manager

Are you a food innovator with a flair for turning ideas into standout products? I am collaborating with a leading manufacturing business, who are seeking an Senior NPD Technologist to join their forward-thinking team driving fresh concepts, smarter solutions, and exceptional food experiences. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where creativity meets commerciality, this is your next big move.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own the NPD journey from concept through to launch, shaping products that delight customers and deliver results.
• Decode retailer briefs to craft commercially viable, operationally practical, and trend‑leading product designs.
• Dive into market insights to spot emerging trends and shape the future of our food portfolio.
• Create and reformulate recipes to meet flavour expectations, nutritional goals, and cost parameters.
• Ensure every project is fully documented and aligned with account requirements.
• Partner with suppliers to source the very best ingredients and support new approvals.
• Carry out nutritional and micro testing to guarantee safety, compliance, and quality.
• Write clear, accurate cooking instructions for safe and consistent consumer preparation.
• Support Technical in maintaining the highest food safety standards.
• Work cross‑functionally to ensure smooth project delivery and impeccable compliance.
• Mentor junior colleagues and step in for the NPD Manager where needed.

What You’ll Bring

• Solid experience in food product development within a similar environment (ideally 3 years working across NPD projects from concept to launch).
• Strong grasp of technical requirements and retailer expectations across the food sector.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in SAP and systems used for recipe formulation and data management.
• Clear communicator, collaborator, and problem‑solver.
• Creative thinker with a passion for food, detail, and innovation.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Lead exciting, high‑impact NPD projects.
• Join a dynamic, supportive environment that values creativity and expertise.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Flexibility that supports a healthy work‑life balance.

If this looks of interest, please apply with your CV and I will be in touch.