Job Title: Product Development Technologist
Department: Technical & Quality
Reports to: Technical Manager
Role Overview
The Product Development Technologist plays a key role in creating and refining new products and processes that align with business growth objectives. This role involves staying informed on consumer preferences and market trends, contributing to the company's new product development (NPD) strategy, and supporting quality assurance activities throughout production stages. Effective communication of development progress and results is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop new products in the pilot kitchen, gaining familiarity with new ingredients and suppliers.
- Lead technical planning and execution of product launches.
- Prepare and approve new product specifications.
- Conduct shelf life testing as required.
- Provide technical expertise in scaling kitchen prototypes to full production.
- Manage project timelines and maintain accurate records of development stages, ensuring approval at each milestone from relevant stakeholders.
- Perform HACCP assessments for new products and processes.
- Troubleshoot production, recipe, and packaging issues on the factory floor.
- Coordinate and document process and packaging trials.
- Monitor current products to identify quality improvements or cost optimizations.
- Evaluate alternative raw materials and packaging options when necessary.
- Stay updated on relevant food safety legislation and industry innovations to inform development work.
- Ensure all product samples produced during development are appropriately labelled, catalogued, and stored.
- Maintain confidentiality of all development projects and technical documentation.
- Keep abreast of market trends and competitor products.
- Provide clear guidance and supervision to any junior staff involved in development activities.
- Comply with company policies regarding food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and housekeeping.
- Validate cooking processes for new products.
- Arrange for external laboratory testing related to cooking instructions, nutritional content, and microbiological safety, as required by customers.
- Support the manufacturing and technical teams as needed.
- Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and filed appropriately.
Skills & Experience Required
- Strong interest and solid knowledge of food products and ingredients.
- Excellent planning, organization, and self-management skills.
- Ability to use initiative and make quick decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Familiarity with multiple roles within the department is advantageous.
- Effective teamwork and communication skills.
- Motivated and proactive approach to work.
