We have an exciting opportunity for a Development & Innovation Technologist to join the team of a leading food producer, based in Co. Longford. The Development & Innovation Technologist is a key member of the Group R&D Team, they play an important part in supporting the responsibility for driving the development process from idea to implementation to ensure products meet customer projects / deadlines. Full-time, permanent position Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9.15am-5.30pm, Friday: 9.15am-4.30pm Salary is negotiable, depending on experience Company pension contribution scheme Primary Objectives: Manage all aspects of customer accounts from a Research and Development perspective and be the key point of contact for all sites and all formats. Manage product portfolio to ensure it is aligned with relevant brands. Design recipes and diets with a risk-based approach. Align with site teams during development to ensure consideration is given to capability, sourcing and efficiency. Develop close relationships with customer and commercial teams. Ensure current product portfolio meets the customer needs. Support innovation plans to meet market needs in all customers, channels and markets. Ensure products are monitored as appropriate to ensure full nutritional compliance and adjust accordingly where appropriate. Execute palatability trials to ensure performance is consistently monitored against brand and benchmark. Where product claims are included on packaging ensure they can be substantiated with relevant literature and research. Support customers on technical issues within the remit of Research and Development. Ensure all aspects of the NPD process meets the agreed deadlines. Ensure products are legally and customer compliant. Liaise with sites and functions to support implementation of NPD. Support and develop group plans on palatability, nutritional testing, value engineering, raw materials where appropriate. Management of external chemical analysis for Group product formats / group site support for testing requirements. Identify opportunities for USPs. Continuously review the market and competitor set and identify opportunities or gaps. Coordinate customer visits and product presentations. Develop a detailed thorough knowledge of the site's products, capabilities and constraints. Requirements: Industry recognised qualification in Food/Animal Science/Nutrition or similar. Experience in product development. Competence in Nutrition, Food Science, Manufacturing, Legislation and Specifications. Manufacturing experience / NPD & EPD projects. Track record on successful development and implementation of NPD. Good communicator / delegation. IT/Computer literate. Problem solver. Full, clean drivers licence. Flexibility to the UK/EU when required Interested? Wed love to hear from you. Please click apply now to submit your CV to Laura Duffy for immediate review or call for more information! At Quorum Search Partners we respect your privacy. Your CV is sent to us in complete confidence and will never be forwarded to a third party without your consent. Skills: Product Development Research & Development Stage Gate Process Food Science Food Legislation Benefits: Pension Contribution
