About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and technically minded NPD Assistant to support our New Product Development function. Working closely with the NPD Manager, you will play an important role in developing, trialling, and launching new products, while providing technical support to our Production team.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone with previous food manufacturing experience who enjoys combining product development with practical factory-based problem solving. You will be involved in product trials, first production runs, process improvements, and supporting the successful transition of new products from concept through to full-scale manufacture.
As the NPD Assistant, you will work closely with Production, Quality, and Purchasing teams to coordinate development activities, maintain technical documentation, and help ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards. You will spend regular time on the factory floor supporting trials, investigating production challenges, and helping to improve manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the preparation and execution of product development trials in both the test kitchen and production environment.
- Assist with factory trials, first production runs, and product launches, ensuring products meet agreed specifications and quality standards.
- Provide technical support to Production teams, maintaining a strong presence on the factory floor.
- Assist with investigating manufacturing issues, identifying root causes, and supporting corrective and preventative actions.
- Work collaboratively with Production, Quality, and Purchasing teams to ensure successful introduction of new products.
- Support continuous improvement activities to improve product quality, efficiency, and manufacturing performance.
- Prepare product samples for internal reviews, customer presentations, and product evaluations.
- Maintain accurate records of recipes, trial results, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Collect, analyse, and report data from product testing, development trials, and production activities.
- Support ingredient and packaging sourcing for development projects.
- Assist with maintaining product specifications, technical files, and related documentation.
- Coordinate development samples, deliveries, and project activities.
- Provide administrative and organisational support to the NPD Manager, including project tracking and scheduling.
- Ensure all activities are completed in line with food safety, hygiene, quality, and health & safety requirements.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised working environment.
- Carry out other duties within the department as required.
About You
You have previous experience working within a food manufacturing environment and a good understanding of HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and food safety principles. You hold a Certificate or Diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline, and have the ability to apply your knowledge within a fast-paced production setting. Relevant certifications in HACCP, GMP, or Food Safety would be highly advantageous.
You will have experience supporting production activities, investigating issues, and working with technical information such as product specifications and process documentation. You are highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accurate records.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, you will have good written and verbal communication skills and the confidence to work collaboratively with teams across the business. You will be proactive, practical, and solutions-focused, with a willingness to learn and develop your technical skills further.
You enjoy working in a factory environment and are comfortable balancing hands-on product trials with technical and administrative responsibilities. The ability to build effective working relationships with Production and Quality teams is essential.
The role involves working within production areas, the test kitchen, and occasionally an office environment. The successful candidate should be able to stand for extended periods during trials, lift ingredient bags with or without reasonable accommodation, and work safely within food production, kitchen, and technical environments.
Pay: From £15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
