Senior NPD Technologist

Vickerstock; Leinster; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Vickerstock are recruiting a Senior NPD Technologist for a leading food manufacturer in Co. Wicklow.

You will own new product projects from development through to successful production launches, acting as a key link between Product Development and Production. Joining the R&D team, you will ensure products are fully validated, meet customer requirements, and are delivered on time with smooth handovers into full production.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an NPD or NPI role within food manufacturing.
• Experience coordinating new product launches, factory trials and production handovers.
• Strong understanding of the transition from product development into full-scale production.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing legislation, food safety and product labelling requirements.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate new product introductions from the NPD stage through to successful production launch.
• Manage projects in line with customer critical paths, deadlines and the company's concept-to-launch process.
• Coordinate product trials and pre-production runs, ensuring a smooth handover into full production.
• Ensure all products are fully validated and consistently meet customer specifications and manufacturing standards.
• Oversee trial documentation, including nutritional analysis, shelf-life verification and cooking validations.
• Ensure all ingredients, packaging and factory trial paperwork are available and accurate.
• Coordinate raw material and packaging requirements ahead of factory trials.
• Work alongside the R&D Manager to coordinate customer visits, factory trials and pre-production runs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and structured problem-solving activities.
• Provide guidance and support to the NPI Technologist, including training and development.
• Work closely with Production and wider site teams to ensure successful product launches.

Skills

NPD coordination

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Food manufacturing knowledge

Job description

Senior NPD Technologist

County Wicklow

Full-Time | Permanent

Monday – Friday Office Hours

Competitive Salary DOE

Vickerstock are currently recruiting for a Senior NPD Technologist on behalf of a leading food manufacturing business based in Co. Wicklow.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced NPD professional to take ownership of new product projects, managing the transition from product development and handover through to successful full-scale production launch.

Working as part of the R&D team, you will act as a key link between Product Development and Production, ensuring products are fully validated, meet customer requirements and are successfully launched within agreed timelines.

The Role

• Coordinate new product introductions from the NPD stage through to successful production launch.
• Manage projects in line with customer critical paths, deadlines and the company's concept-to-launch process.
• Coordinate product trials and pre-production runs, ensuring a smooth handover into full production.
• Ensure all products are fully validated and consistently meet customer specifications and manufacturing standards.
• Oversee trial documentation, including nutritional analysis, shelf-life verification and cooking validations.
• Ensure all ingredients, packaging and factory trial paperwork are available and accurate.
• Coordinate raw material and packaging requirements ahead of factory trials.
• Work alongside the R&D Manager to coordinate customer visits, factory trials and pre-production runs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and structured problem-solving activities.
• Provide guidance and support to the NPI Technologist, including training and development.
• Work closely with Production and wider site teams to ensure successful product launches.

About You

• Previous experience in an NPD or NPI role within food manufacturing.
• Experience coordinating new product launches, factory trials and production handovers.
• Strong understanding of the transition from product development into full-scale production.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing legislation, food safety and product labelling requirements.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary, depending on experience.
• Full time permanent opportunity
• Exposure to retailer-facing projects and customer interaction.
• Opportunity to work on exciting new product launches across culinary-led food categories.
• Supportive and collaborative R&D environment.
• Opportunity to make a real impact within an established food manufacturing business.