Company Overview
Glenhaven Foods are one of Ireland's largest poultry processors, specialising in coated, marinated, cooked, and raw frozen poultry across food service and retail. Proudly 100% Irish privately owned business, Glenhaven Foods was first established in 1986 in Avoca. Our head office is a purpose-built facility comprising of two separate factories and is home to over 180 colleagues located just outside Arklow, Co. Wicklow, in the picturesque 'Garden of Ireland'.
At Glenhaven Foods we strive to bring a passion for food and purpose together. Our unrivalled expertise in the frozen poultry market, our passion for quality food and our focus on relationships, have all helped us to grow and succeed.
Glenhaven has four fully integrated continuous coating lines with the capabilities to produce both bagged and carton products supplying all the major retailers, food service operators and distributors both in IOI and the UK.
Role Overview:
The NPD Technologist plays a key role in the end-to-end development of innovative and commercially viable food products for both retail and foodservice markets. Working closely with cross-functional teams the NPD Technologist supports the creation, testing, and launch of new and improved products that meet customer briefs, align with manufacturing capabilities, and adhere to quality & safety standards.
This role is ideal for a passionate food developer with a strong understanding of flavour trends, ingredient functionality, and practical cooking or catering experience. Experience within the foodservice sector is a distinct advantage, enabling deeper customer insight and a more intuitive approach to menu-driven innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
* To work alongside the NPD manager in the preparation and development of samples for customers.
* To assist in the formulation of new products from concept to launch in line with customer briefs, market trends and business strategy.
* Create and refine recipes to achieve desired taste, texture, cost, and nutritional targets.
* Conduct kitchen and factory trials to validate product performance and ensure scalability for mass production.
* Maintain accurate formulation and process documentation throughout development stages.
* Stay informed of evolving foodservice trends, menu innovation, and competitor activity.
* Work closely with foodservice customers and culinary teams to interpret menu needs, translate them into viable manufacturing solutions, and tailor products for specific applications
* Support the NPD Manager in delivering projects on time and within budget, tracking milestones and communicating progress across departments.
* Contribute ideas for process efficiencies and ingredient optimisation.
* Assist in post-launch reviews to gather performance data, customer feedback, and identify opportunities for improvement.
* Support the commercial team in preparing product specifications, samples, and presentations for customer meetings.
* The development of quality attribute sheets for new and existing products.
* To build a relationship with current and new suppliers.
Key Skills and Experience:
* Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts, or related discipline (or equivalent industry experience).
* Proven experience in food product development.
* Foodservice or culinary background—experience of developing menu-ready products—is highly advantageous.
* Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, processing methods, and sensory evaluation.
* Excellent communication, presentation, and organisational skills.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiarity with formulation or specification systems.
* Passion for food, innovation, and keeping ahead of market trends.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person