Overview
NPD & Specifications Technologist required to support the successful development and launch of new and existing food products by managing product specifications and maintaining compliance with regulatory, customer, and quality standards. This role bridges innovation and compliance by working cross-functionally with NPD, quality, technical, production, and marketing teams to deliver high-quality products to the market. This is an ideal role for a graduate to begin their career with a very successful and innovative food company.
Key Responsibilities
* New Product Development (NPD):
* Support the end-to-end NPD process from concept development to product launch.
* Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (e.g., Quality, Technical, Marketing, Production, Procurement) to bring new products to market.
* Participate in factory trials, first productions, and post-launch reviews.
* Record all product development trials and specifications – concept to final product launch.
* Write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for production scale recipes.
* Prepare test kitchen samples to agreed tender deadlines.
* NPD market review and concept generation.
* Liaise with the team on packaging artwork design and approval.
* Liaise with Technical team on CCPs, HACCP procedures and BRC requirements.
* Prepare Nutricalc analysis of new products.
* Review and advise on ingredient and nutrition labelling legislation.
* Manage and participate in tasting and sensory panels for current range and new products.
* Maintain BRC audit records for current and NPD trial activity.
* Collection and analysis of benchmark samples.
* Specifications:
* Create and maintain accurate product specifications in line with customer and legislative requirements.
* Ensure raw material, packaging, and finished product specifications are complete, up-to-date, and compliant with relevant regulations (e.g., food safety, allergens, nutritional data).
* Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to obtain and verify technical information and documentation.
* Liaise with retailers and maintain accurate data on retailer portals.
Key Skills & Attributes
* A passion for food innovation.
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy, especially in data and documentation.
* Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
* Able to work cross-functionally and build strong working relationships.
* Proactive, adaptable, and solution focused.
* Ability to manage multiple projects at once.
Experience & Qualifications
* Degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or a related discipline.
* Experience in an NPD, Specifications, or Technical role (graduate level considered).
* Experience working with specification systems (e.g., Oracle, Hamilton Grant, various retailer portals) desirable but not mandatory.
* Knowledge of food legislation, allergen management, and labelling requirements.
Education
* Bachelor's degree (required)
* Location: Ireland – Galway
Job Type & Compensation
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From €30,000.00 per year
Benefits
* Bike to work scheme
* Company events
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
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