New Product Development Food Technologist

New Product Development Food Technologist | Ashford

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced NPD Food Technologist to join one of the world's leading premium chocolate manufacturers, renowned for collaborating with globally recognised brands and Michelin-starred chefs. This is an exciting opportunity to develop innovative chocolate and confectionery products from initial concept through to successful commercial launch.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality products that meet technical, regulatory, and commercial requirements while driving innovation and continuous product improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine recipes for a range of premium chocolate and confectionery products.
• Lead product development from concept through kitchen trials, pilot trials, and full-scale factory production.
• Manage product scale-up, ensuring manufacturing processes are robust, repeatable, and commercially viable.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Commercial, and Procurement teams throughout the product development process.
• Conduct sensory evaluations, competitor benchmarking, and product optimisation to enhance product quality and consumer appeal.
• Ensure all products comply with food safety legislation, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing challenges to support the successful launch of new products.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in New Product Development (NPD) within the food manufacturing industry, ideally in chocolate or confectionery.
• Strong understanding of chocolate processing, ingredients, and product development principles.
• Experience conducting factory trials and scaling products from pilot stage to commercial production.
• Excellent organisational, project management, and communication skills.
• A creative, hands-on approach with a genuine passion for food innovation.

Salary

• Up to £42k depending on experience

Benefits

• 1pm Friday finish
• Casual dress
• Company pension scheme
• Discounted / free food
• On-site parking
• Sick pay