NPD Technologist
Purpose of Job:
The NPD Technologist will design and develop celebration cake and ambient product that meet customer and manufacturing requirements.
Role Key Accountabilities:
- Interpret NPD/EPD briefs and concepts into innovative, profitable and production friendly products
- Identify and drive key new product development project initiatives within the business
- Extend the bakery knowledge and innovation skills within the Development Department increasing our expertise
- Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
Essential:
- Have practical experience in the bakery industry
- Knowledge of bakery products and bakery procedures
- Ability for recipe generation and recipe adjustments throughout the development process
- Cake decorating skills
- Visually innovative and creative
- Ability to work hands on with the product
- Excellent communication skills
- Computer literate – basic computer skills and knowledge of word and excel systems
Desirable:
- Previously held an NPD role
- Retailer experience
- Design, art and craft background
- Desire to drive change
- Bakery / Food Science / Patisserie qualifications or experience or knowledge, of design, art and crafts combined with cake decorating skills
- Driving license
Any Other Requirements:
- Good presentation skills
- Confident and articulate
- Organised
- Enjoys a challenge and can deliver under pressure
- Able to work on their own or as part of a team
Principle Accountabilities/Duties and Responsibilites:
- Interpret NPD/EPD briefs and concepts into innovative, profitable and production friendly products
- Identify and driving key new product development project initiatives within the business
- Liaise with the Design team to ensure that visually products meet with customers’ expectations and deliver innovation to the market
- Ensure product concepts meet cost and margin aspirations for Finsbury Foods and the customer
- Accurately record project details to ensure all information is available and transferable within Development and to other Departments. Assist in preparation of documents for handover meeting to the Process team
- Ensure that NPD/EPD successfully translate from initial brief through to full factory production
- Comply fully with the NPD/EPD procedure, undertaking any training necessary to improve the NPD/EPD process
- Assist at factory trials and work with Process and Ops to ensure products are representative of what the customer approved
- Liaise with Finsbury Food personnel and customers during pre-production and first production runs
- Assist the Development Account Managers in the successful delivery of new products to an agreed plan
- Representing Finsbury Food Group (FFG) in front of suppliers and customers where require
- Actively build relationships with suppliers to help maximise our knowledge within the category driving innovation
- Using key suppliers to drive new ideas, processes and identify product improvement/saving
- Regularly conduct a systematic review of recipes, ingredients method of manufacture and packaging to drive efficiencies and increased profitability
- Work with the wider teams to advise and assist when required
- Impart decorative and bakery knowledge to the wider teams
- Self-management on a day to day basis on appointed key development projects which have been briefed and scoped and agreed to progress
- While working in the Test Kitchen ensure that the culture of essential hygiene practices connected with the storage, preparation and cooking of food is followed. Ensure clean, tidy and hygienic working practices are followed at all times and specifically a clean working bench policy is being adhered to
- Any other duty deemed appropriate by the NPD Technologist Controller or DAM’s/DAM Controller