NPD Technologist

NPD Technologist
FMCG | Flavours | Full‑Time, On Site | West Midlands

Love turning ideas into great‑tasting products?
An established and growing UK flavour manufacturer, recently strengthened by international backing, is seeking a talented NPD Technologist to join its innovation team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on, detail‑driven technologist with experience in flavours and applications who enjoys working at pace, collaborating with customers, and bringing creative concepts to life in a laboratory environment.

The Role

Reporting to the NPD Manager, you'll play a key role in developing and improving flavour solutions for customers across multiple food and beverage categories.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing new flavour formulations for customers and prospects
• Improving existing products while working within raw material cost guidelines
• Product matching against existing market benchmarks
• Carrying out quality and sensory checks (triangle tests, aroma tests, preference testing)
• Creating, recording, and maintaining detailed sensory documentation
• Building knowledge of new ingredients and flavour technologies
• Creating, tracking, and dispatching customer samples
• Ordering raw material samples and specifications from suppliers
• Liaising with customers where required, including visits and occasional exhibitions
• Maintaining laboratory hygiene, equipment, and best‑practice standards
• Supporting the wider team in a busy, fast‑paced NPD environment

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, creative, and customer‑focused flavour development
• Strong organisation and delivery against deadlines
• High standards of laboratory accuracy, hygiene, and documentation
• Positive collaboration with colleagues, suppliers, and customers

About You

You'll be a confident, enthusiastic technologist who enjoys ownership, problem‑solving, and working both independently and as part of a team.

You'll ideally bring:

• A science‑related degree
• At least 2 years' relevant experience (flavours or food preferred)
• Strong numerical and written communication skills
• Good project planning and time‑management abilities

And you'll be:

• Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail
• Proactive, adaptable, and solution‑focused
• Calm under pressure and comfortable multitasking
• Customer‑focused with excellent interpersonal skills
• Competent using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• A self‑starter who thrives with autonomy
• Fully eligible to work in the UK and hold a clean driving licence

Working Pattern & Benefits

• 37.5 hours per week (flexibility across core hours 08:30-16:30)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (pro‑rata first year)
• Christmas shutdown (3 days allocated from holiday entitlement)
• Competitive salary (disclosed on application)
• Pension scheme (employee and employer contributions)
• Employee discounts and wellbeing support via benefits and EAP scheme
• 6‑month probation | 1‑month notice period

Why Apply?

You'll join a passionate, technically strong team within a flavour business known for creative solutions, high service levels, and long‑standing expertise. With access to wider group knowledge and resources, this role offers excellent development opportunities for an ambitious NPD technologist.