Senior NPD Technologist

As a family business, Frank Roberts and Sons have been at the heart of our community since 1887. Our family values run through everything we do as a business and we are committed to promoting an Inclusive culture that cares for our people and the community around us. Through nurturing and togetherness and a sprinkle of courage we continue to build on our heritage by producing quality delicious bread and baked goods.​

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity to join our NPD Team, as a Senior NPD Technologist, based in Northwich.

Job Purpose

To support the R&D team to deliver the R&D & Innovation agenda for Biscuit category. Work cross functionally with project managing the NPD process to deliver EPD and NPD to exceed both internal customers and external customers expectation. Interface with customers (internal & external) to take products through concept to launch ensuring compliance with Frank Roberts policies and procedures throughout stage gate process.

What you will contribute

• Maintain the NPD process and documentation for both brand and non brand. Lead and support all Biscuit projects
• Support the team – be a true foody – aware of trends from insight and competitors and be commercially aware around influences in market beyond just the bakery category
• Carryout concept development for both EPD and true NPD projects – support the longer term innovation pipeline programme
• Nurture strong customer relationships understanding the end user/consumer to ensure pro-active NPD/EPD programmes to deliver the Channel & Customer Strategy – visit customers as required
• Work closely with the costing process to ensure new products meet both customer and internal targets
• Work alongside strategic supplier's resources to support NPD projects and act as specialist knowledge resource to support the team
• Lead and Manage product trials
• Follow the Product Development procedure and remain compliant with both BRC and Customer specific policies at all times – work closely with Technical colleagues around allergens/HACCP
• Provide trouble shooting support to the Operations including assistance with harvest transition, cost engineering projects

What you will bring

• Food science Degree or equivalent in technical discipline
• Development Technologist experience > 5 years
• Good level of technical expertise in food processes – essential bread industry experience, good understanding of manufacturing processes & confidence when working on plant and equipment
• Good level of knowledge of the product development cycle, including all aspects of QMS internal procedure and experience of Top 4 retailer NPD systems/processes
• Awareness of Food Labelling, Product Specifications, Nutritional information, Raw material specifications and packaging
• Project Management skills across multi-disciplinary teams including Risk analysis/mitigation, ability to coordinate to achieve critical path deadlines competently
• Awareness of external developments in Food Science, Technology, Sensory Science, Legislation related to food/materials
• Collaborative work style, team player and good attention to detail. Completer finisher ensuring all elements of a project are completed
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. Flexible and agile in approach
• A willingness to lead with the ability to influence peers and at level above

What we can offer

A competitive salary and generous benefits package, including:

Pension Scheme 6% company contribution, 28 Days holiday, Life Cover, Healthcare Cash Plan, 24/7 Counselling Hotline, Cycle 2 Work Scheme, Staff Shop, Subsidised Restaurant and Retail Discount Scheme.