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SalaryAs 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 in Northwich as a Senior Development Technologist.
Job Purpose
To lead/drive the R&D team to deliver the R&D & Innovation agenda for Biscuit/Bread categories. Work cross functionally, project managing the NPD process to deliver EPD and NPD that exceeds expectations with both internal customers (Brand) and external customers. Liaise with customers (internal & external) to take products from concept to launch ensuring compliance to our internal QMS, customer procedures & policies and our innovation stage gate process.
What you will contribute
Maintain the NPD process and documentation for both brand and non brand. Lead and support all Biscuit/Bread projects
Responsible for key customer accounts working along side the dedicated commercial team
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 biscuit/bread category
Carryout concept development for both EPD and true NPD projects – support the NPD Manager
Have the ability to step in for NPD Manager when required
Nurture strong customer relationships, understanding the end user/consumer to ensure pro-active NPD/EPD to deliver customer requirements – visit and present to 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
Follow the Product Development procedure and remain compliant with both BRC and Customer specific policies at all times – work closely with Food Safety Quality colleagues around allergens/HACCP
Provide trouble shooting support to the Operations including assistance with 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 biscuit and bakery 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
Good level of Food Labelling, Product Specifications, Nutritional information, Legislation related to food/materials and some understanding of 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, Customer policies relating to their own label requirements for new products
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 offer
A competitive salary of up to £36k and generous benefits package, including:
Pension Scheme with up to 6% matched company contribution
28 Days holiday
Life Cover, Healthcare Cash Plan, 24/7 Counselling Hotline, Cycle 2 Work Scheme, Staff Shop, Subsidised Restaurant, Retail Discount Scheme
