Senior NPD Technologist
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior NPD Technologist to join a dynamic and growing chilled food manufacturing business supplying the Irish and European retail markets. This role will see you working on a diverse range of branded and private label chilled products, collaborating closely with Technical, Production, Commercial and Sales teams to deliver high-quality, value-added products from concept through to launch. You will play a key role in innovation and renovation projects, ensuring all new products are technically sound, legally compliant and aligned with customer and business requirements. This is a hands‑on role suited to someone with a strong food technology or culinary background who enjoys applying technical knowledge in a commercial environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead NPD and EPD projects from concept to launch, working cross-functionally to deliver innovation and renovation initiatives.
* Own and manage projects through the stage‑gate NPD process, ensuring all milestones, deadlines and critical paths are met.
* Coordinate day-to-day NPD activity, including line extensions, reformulations and pack size changes, from brief through to launch.
* Ensure 100% compliance with all relevant food safety legislation, customer standards and internal quality policies.
* Apply Lean NPD principles to drive efficiency and ensure robust project delivery at each stage of development.
* Protect and continuously improve both product and process, supporting effective delivery of NPD activities.
* Provide leadership, guidance and training to NPD team members where required.
* Develop a clear understanding of business priorities and contribute to the delivery of cost‑effective product solutions.
* Provide regular project updates to key stakeholders, including weekly progress reporting.
* Liaise with key retail customers, presenting NPD projects, managing actions and resolving issues as they arise.
* Drive continuous improvement within the Innovation function, including market and technology research to develop new product concepts.
Experience & Qualifications
* Third-level qualification in Food Technology, Food Science or a related discipline.
* Minimum 3+ years' hands‑on experience within FMCG food manufacturing, ideally in NPD, Technical, Quality or Product Development.
* Strong working knowledge of BRC, HACCP, allergen management and food safety systems.
* Experience in supplier and raw material selection.
* Proven ability in product quality optimisation and continuous improvement.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Confident communicator, comfortable working cross‑functionally and engaging with retail customers.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Manufacturing
Industries
* Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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