Role Description:
We are seeking an experienced Innovation Technologist to join our team on a 9-month fixed-term contract as a maternity leave cover with the possibility of extension. The successful candidate will report to the Sales and Marketing Manager and partner with the commercial and production teams to bring to life food products that meet consumer preferences.
Key Responsibilities:
* Partner with the commercial team to translate consumer and customer needs into innovative product solutions.
* Collaborate with the production, quality, and finance teams to ensure alignment on product requirements.
* Plan, coordinate, and manage new product development projects to meet market and company needs.
* Work on required briefs and desired outcomes to support the validation of our consumer offer.
* Comprehensively test new ideas, equipment, formulations, and production methods to improve existing products.
* Apply sound quality assurance principles to new developments.
* Conduct research in support of the NPD and commercial planning process to drive continuous product improvement.
* Collect, evaluate, and interpret data to write reports detailing trial results and proposed solutions.
* Test all new products/formulations prior to commercial launch for allergen and nutritional claims.
* Maintain accurate records of decisions and outcomes.
* Verify internal and customer product specifications, supplier PIFs for new raw materials and existing finished products.
* Review and update product artwork and labelling for new and existing products.