NPD Technologist – Bread

Job Description

Job Title: Research and Development Technologist

Reporting to: Research and Development Manager

Aligned to: Signature Flatbreads

Location: Dunstable

Date: 25/06/26

Job Purpose

To develop and support launch new product concepts, driving these concepts through the development process to launch on time and to cost, ensuring that Quality standards are upheld. Building relationships with key stakeholders within the business & supplier base.

Salary

30 – 40 K depending on experience

Accountabilities

R&D Technologist

• Test new ingredients technologies in application. Make recommendations and train NPD team on the usage, function and benefits.
• Provide training and knowledge sharing to NPD, Technical and Production.
• Research and develop blue sky products in conjunction with category managers, NPD, Sales and marketing.
• EPD – Test and implement recipe or process improvements for existing products to reduce waste or improve quality of the product.
• Support dual supply testing – Test in application and analyze alternative supplier ingredients to ensure a functional match.
• Generate costing model for recipes.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to learn about new technologies and report back to the business.
• Support NPD team throughout launch process for new R&D created recipes and ingredients.
• Help support business is at the forefront of innovation and aware of new competitor launches and current food trends.
• To ensure that all new products are developed in line with product briefs. These must be commercial work in practice.
• Work with Procurement to ensure that all raw materials sourced are in line with preferred suppliers & customer brand standards.
• To ensure that customer presentations are carried out professionally and knowledgeably at all times.
• To ensure that all developments satisfy price, quality, technical & operational parameters by means of a feasibility process.
• Ensure that all products developed are in line with government food plans.
• Ensure that all developments are well communicated to all internal functions.
• Modify existing recipes to the given requirements eg. upgrading, reducing unnecessary ingredients, reducing salt, calories etc.
• Ensure a smooth handover to the respective site by way of a handover meeting. Follow products through to factory trials with the process team and then launch.
• Work hands‑on in the kitchen to produce prototypes and create a process/ method.
• Modify recipes (EPD) post trials when necessary.

Innovation & Market Awareness

• Support R&D manager in delivering the Innovation and Quality project pipeline in a timely manner.
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the food retailing market, eg. via trade press, food magazines & competitor shopping, to ensure development of cutting edge & market leading products.

Customer Skills

• Present new products & upgrades to the Team and customers in a professional manner, demonstrating your bakery, food ingredient & process knowledge & expertise. Preparing samples, presentation packs & any theatre required.

Others

• Communicate the status of NPD & EPD projects.
• Ensure a close working relationship with the NPD team.
• Attend internal & external taste panels when required.
• Evaluate new & existing raw materials.
• Conduct supplier meetings to build working relationships and learn about new ingredients.
• Ensure a close working relationship with the site.
• To be aware of and comply with customer brand standards and Food standards.
• Time management skills absolutely necessary and following critical paths and internal process a requirement.

Knowledge and Skills / Training / Experience

• Food technology, Food science degree or Bakery qualification.
• Minimum 1 year hands on bakery experience or done bakery qualification/ course.
• Great project & time management skills.
• Drive & impetus to go out & seek new ideas and drive to test and implement.
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills at all levels.
• Able to work both as an individual & a team player.
• Need to be creative and have a thirst for knowledge.
• Not frightened to challenge the “norm”.
• Basic computer literacy – excel, word, powerpoint.
• Demonstrate a knowledge & understanding of bakery ingredients, process and products.

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