Product Development Technologist

Product Development Technologist – Exciting Opportunity in Middlesbrough! 

Are you passionate about food and love to experiment with flavours? Are you bursting with creative ideas and eager to learn? If so, we've got a fantastic opportunity for you at The Compleat Food Group, based in Middlesbrough.

We're an energetic and creative team of "Foodies", focused on making delightful food products that people love to eat.

At The Compleat Food Group, we're more than just a food manufacturing company. We're a tight-knit group of innovative food enthusiasts committed to crafting mouth-watering, inventive food products. With our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we're making waves in the Chilled Food Industry.

As a Product Development Technologist you'll be at the heart of supporting our product innovation. Working closely with our experienced team of Product Developers, you'll have the exciting opportunity to learn and grow in the world of food product development. Your creativity and fresh perspectives will help shape the future of our food offerings.

Location: Middlesbrough

Salary: £27,000 per annum

Responsibilities:

• Managing the critical path of product development from concept to post-production launch, ensuring that all product launches and associated documentation are achieved within agreed timescales alongside the NPD account manager.
• Key parts of the role will be to improve existing products (EPD), develop new products (NPD), and complete all relevant paperwork and to comply with company policies and procedures, and legislative requirements.
• You are expected to conform to relevant product, quality, safety and legality procedures as detailed by your line manager.
• Liaise closely with the relevant commercial account manager to develop and deliver the agreed commercial objectives of specified accounts.
• Work on focused development of new products to deliver the budgeted profit.
• Understand the requirements and needs of both internal and external customers to keep both parties continually ahead of the competition.
• Preparation and presentation of internal and external panels and collation of the results from the panels.
• Embrace the principles of category management to gain a true understanding of the requirements and needs of the customer.
• Present facts and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively to achieve effective communication across all functions.
• Assist the process team with factory trials and pre-productions.
• To complete re-heat cooking validations.
• To compile organoleptic tests on all new potential products.
• To organise microbiological shelf life and nutritional samples to be tested at the external lab.
• To complete customer QAS documents in line with achievable parameters within the business.
• To coordinate any product sample requests internally or for external customers.
• Conduct new product development research and monitor trends in the industry. Present these findings in a PowerPoint document which is issued out monthly, internally and externally.
• Regular store visits to ensure awareness of current market place.
• To deputise for NPD Account Manager.
• Any other duties considered to be within the remit of the post.

Skills Required:

The right candidate will have a passion for food and looking to gain experience in the development of food development. 

• The ability to work as part of a team and also on your own initiative.
• The ability to closely liaise with other departments and external customers.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to work to customer deadlines.
• The ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Willingness to learn all aspects of the production process.
• Some technical knowledge and an understanding of managing projects.
• Knowledge of plant and processes, ingredients and products, and a sound commercial awareness is desirable. 

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Online benefits platform
• Enjoy 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Training and career development
• Contribute to the community with 2 volunteering days a year
• Secure your future with our company pension plan

The Compleat Food Group are proud to have built an inclusive and respectful culture where our colleagues feel safe, supported and valued. A place where they can bring their whole selves to work to achieve exceptional results and thrive.

We continue to attract diverse talent into our teams, because we know greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect in all that we do. 

Recruitment Agencies We have an active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies.