New Product Development Internship

West Cork Distillers Limited; Skibbereen; On-site; EUR 14,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Lunch Thursday

Discounted Product

Company Social Events

Employee Wellness Events

Employee Assistance Programme

On-site Parking

Job summary

West Cork Distillers Limited in Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Ireland, is seeking an NPD Intern for a six-month placement. You will gain hands-on experience supporting live NPD projects, applying academic knowledge to a real manufacturing setting.

The role offers exposure to product development, laboratory analysis, and process optimisation, working alongside an experienced team to drive innovation from concept to potential commercialisation. Candidates are currently pursuing relevant scientific degrees.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in a relevant science field.
• Interest in product innovation and ingredient functionality.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Exploring novel applications of ingredients and products.
• Supporting NPD projects through gates to commercialisation.
• Performing laboratory analysis and shelf-life studies.
• Assisting with process improvements and value optimisation.
• Documenting results and preparing reports.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to progress projects.

Skills

Product development interest

Analytical mindset

Education

Currently pursuing degree in Food Science/Technology/Biochemistry

Job description

Location: On site / Gortnaclohy, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Ireland
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Manufacturing | Manufacturing Technician
Salary: Negotiable salary

About Us.

West Cork Distillers was founded in 2003 by John O’Connell, Denis McCarthy and Ger McCarthy and has since grown to a team of over 250 people based in our distillery in Skibbereen, Co. Cork and our Waterford site Donohoe Drinks.

We are built on an entrepreneurial energy and a passion for the science and art of spirit and whiskey production.

We have been recognised for our innovative approach, and credited with maturing, distilling and bottling some of the finest craft Irish Whiskey on the global market today.

We Are Looking For.

We are currently looking for an NPD Intern to join our team in West Cork Distillers for a six month placement.

Our NPD team plays a key role in driving innovation, developing new products and identifying opportunities to optimise our existing processes and ingredients.

You will gain hands‑on experience supporting live NPD projects and have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a real‑world manufacturing environment. You will have the opportunity to be involved in product development, laboratory analysis and process optimisation working alongside an experienced team and contribute to innovation projects through to commercialisation.

What You’ll Do.

• Exploring novel applications of WCD ingredients
• Supporting NPD projects, through the different gates to commercialisation
• Laboratory analysis and shelf life
• Process improvements and value optimisation
• Laboratory testing and the evaluation of new product concepts as required
• Recording results, maintaining accurate documentation and assisting with the preparation of reports
• Working with the team to identify opportunities for product and process improvements
• Collaborating with colleagues across different functions to support the progression of NPD projects
• Flexibility may be required to undertake additional/other duties on occasion, based on business needs and requirements

What You'll Bring.

• Currently pursuing a degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Biochemistry or a related discipline.
• An interest in product innovation, ingredient functionality and the science behind product development
• A curious and analytical approach, with good attention to detail
• Good organisational and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

We Offer.

• Free Lunch Thursday
• Discounted Product
• Company Social Events
• Employee Wellness Events
• Employee Assistance Programme
• On-site Parking