Senior Product Development Technologist

Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner; Falkirk; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Long-term career prospects

Job summary

A family-run food manufacturer in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior NPD Technologist to oversee product development from concept to launch. The successful candidate will manage a small team, ensure adherence to food safety standards, and collaborate with various functions within the company. Required qualifications include a degree in Food Science, extensive experience in chilled or ambient food manufacturing, and excellent communication skills. This is a full-time, permanent position offering competitive remuneration and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Food Science or related discipline is essential.
• Demonstrable experience in NPD within UK chilled or ambient food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of food safety, product formulation and commercial constraints.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from concept through to launch.
• Manage NPD critical paths to ensure on-time delivery.
• Collaborate closely with Technical, Process, Operations and Commercial functions.

Skills

Food Science knowledge

NPD experience

Food safety understanding

Communication skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Food Science or related discipline

Job description

Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner

Senior NPD Technologist / NPD Manager

Chilled / Ambient Food Manufacturing – Central Belt of Scotland

Family-Owned Business | Major Retailer Supplier

Overview

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior NPD professional to join a successful, family-run food manufacturer with a strong reputation for innovation and quality. Supplying major UK retailers, this business continues to invest in its people, product development and long-term growth.

You will lead end-to-end NPD, managing one direct report and reporting into the Head of NPD.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from concept through to launch
• Turn customer briefs and consumer insights into commercially viable product solutions
• Manage NPD critical paths to ensure on-time delivery within cost and quality expectations
• Oversee recipe development, factory trials, benchmarking and sensory evaluation
• Collaborate closely with Technical, Process, Operations and Commercial functions
• Support customer engagement, presentations and site visits
• Ensure all product specifications, labelling and artwork adhere to legal and customer requirements
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation within the category
• Mentor, support and develop a direct report as part of the NPD team

Skills & Experience

• Degree-qualified in Food Science or related discipline – essential
• Demonstrable experience in NPD within UK chilled or ambient food manufacturing
• Strong understanding of food safety, product formulation and commercial constraints
• Previous experience working with major UK retailers
• Excellent communication and cross-functional stakeholder management
• Confident managing multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Prior line management or leadership responsibility preferred

Working Rights

Applicants must have full and unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Package

• Competitive salary depending on experience
• Full-time, permanent role with long-term career prospects

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Science and Product Management

Industries

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing