NPD / Senior NPD Technologist
About Hughes Group
With over 65 years of experience, Hughes Group is a trusted name in fresh mushrooms and innovative plant-based products across the UK. We work in close partnership with leading retailers and food service providers and are known for our quality, reliability, and customer-first approach.
While were proud of our heritage, our focus is firmly on the future. As a growing FMCG business, were investing in innovation, sustainability, andmost importantlyour people.
– Hours: Monday Friday / 830am 5pm we are flexible on start and finish times– Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience– Reports to: NPD Manager– Location: Dungannon
The Role
The NPD Technologist / Senior NPD Technologist is responsible for delivering new product development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring products meet customer requirements, quality standards and commercial objectives. Working closely with customers, suppliers and cross-functional teams, the role supports the development of innovative products while maintaining compliance with food safety, quality and technical standards.
The successful candidate will manage product development activities, coordinate trials, maintain technical documentation and support the successful introduction of new and existing products. The role will also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage NPD (New Product Development) projects from concept through to launch.
- Plan, coordinate and support factory trials.
- Record and analyse trial results and key project data.
- Support the scale-up of products from development to production.
- Conduct product testing, benchmarking and taste panels.
- Identify and report product, process or quality issues.
- Prepare customer samples, presentations and supporting documentation.
- Assist with product launches and pre-production activities.
- Maintain accurate recipes, specifications and development records.
- Work closely with Technical, Quality, Production, Commercial and Supplier teams to deliver successful projects.
Essential Criteria
- Qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related food discipline.
- Demonstrable experience within the food industry, with a minimum of 1 year’s experience (NPD Technologist) OR 3+ years’ experience (Senior NPD Technologist)
- Passionate about developing and launching new food products.
- Commercial awareness with an understanding of profitability and business objectives.
- Strong organisational, planning and time management skills.
- Full UK Driving License and access to own vehicle
Desirable Criteria
- Further professional development or industry-related training.
- Experience within an NPD or product development environment.
- Experience working with retail or foodservice customers.
- Experience of using Point 74 Recipe System would be highly desirable
- Experience using NPD systems, databases or product management software.
Skills:NPD Recipe New Product Development
WHJS1_NI
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