NPD Technologist

Job description - NPD Technologist – South London

Who we are

An exciting opportunity has arisen as part of a rapidly developing convenience food-to-go manufacturer due to the fast organic growth of the business. The company is a private family-owned food-to-go manufacturer in London supplying retail clients and foodservice operators with a range of chilled ready to eat products. Simply Lunch is seeking a dynamic and proactive NPD Technologist to thrive in our fast paced environment. You will play a key role in driving innovation and product excellence, supporting various development activities. 

NPD Technologist Overview

The NPD technologist plays a key role in achieving the company’s strategy to become the leading chilled Food to Go manufacturer in the U.K. The main responsibility of our NPD technologist is to assist in the NPD process from concept to launch. You will be using our internal IT systems to set up and control our ingredients and product. Ingredients sourcing, sample coordination and taste/ benchmarking panels, establishing and maintaining relationships with our suppliers will be part of daily tasks. You will be planning, communicating and executing factory trials for the business alongside the production team.

Key activities-

• Assist the NPD Team and process.
• Oversee customer sample requests.
• Maintain and build customer relationships.
• Implement and be proactive in improving systems and processes throughout NPD department.
• Creating products specification and set products up in the system

Essential Skills -

• Excellent hands-on skills
• Proficient in MS Excel
• Excellent attention to detail
• Multi-tasking
• Commercial acumen
• Good communication skills
• Understanding of consumer trends

Main responsibilities

• Assist the NPD team in NPD process from concept phase to factory launch.
• Identify the best combination of ingredients to save time, labour and best possible yield.
• Update and maintain product information on production and purchasing systems.
• A key role within factory launches.
• Conduct NPD meetings and ensuring project tracker is up to date.
• Oversee customer sample order setup and dispatch.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders on existing NPD projects.
• Communicate factory trials and launches to the relevant staff in the business.
• Conduct tasting panels for development products and ingredients.
• Update RJL (our internal IT data system) with product information accordingly.

What will you get in return

Throughout your time at Simply Lunch, you will be supported with on-the-job training and development opportunities to further your career. Here are some of the benefits we offer:

· Free Lunch and beverages

· Christmas and summer parties, staff barbecues and sweet treat days, pizza delivery and ice cream van days (we do love a party)

· Access to 1000’s of retail and service discounts through our “salary extras” online portal

· Cycle to work scheme

· Pension scheme

· Gym Scheme

· Financial and wellbeing services

· Access to mental health champions

· Discounted car repairs and MOT

· Regular Training sessions

· Sponsored staff Development

· One paid Charity day per annum for you to volunteer at a charity of your choice

· 30 days annual leave

· Long Service Awards

· Cash Plan

Inclusivity and Diversity

Like many other organisations, we are considering with renewed focus what Diversity means to us. What may have been acceptable a short time ago is not sufficient for the future, so we are dedicating a lot of time and resources to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, especially those who are often excluded or underrepresented.

if you feel that you do not see yourself represented either in the cultural sector or in this professional area because of any part of your identity that makes you special, we would especially like to hear from you.