Job Summary
Reporting to the Head of Product, the NPD Technologist is responsible for the development of new products and the improvement of our existing range. You'll be a key part of our NPD team, working hands-on to manage products from initial concept to a successful launch, while collaborating with our production and marketing teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop and refine new recipes, and troubleshoot product issues based on feedback or production inconsistencies.
- Create new products in line with specific briefs.
- Research food baking trends and competitor products.
- Manage recipes, update product specifications, and maintain accurate documentation for each product launch, keeping costings and records up to date at every stage.
- Assist with factory trials, pre-productions, and launches.
- Represent the NPD team at taste panels and work closely with our Technical and Production teams. You will also work alongside our production team members to understand how products are made, train them clearly on new recipes, and adapt recipes for scale-up.
What You'll Bring
- Proven NPD experience is essential, with a track record of taking products from concept through to launch.
- A formal qualification in culinary arts, baking, or patisserie is preferred, but hands-on experience in a professional kitchen or bakery is a must.
- Confident with Excel and other food management or costing software, with a genuine interest in using tools that keep recipes, specs and documentation organised and easy for others to follow.
- An understanding of production and scaling is required, along with experience training a production team on new recipes.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and planning skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- You are proactive about getting hands-on with our production team and you thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment.
- You can manage a busy diary and plan your time effectively to deliver on both production needs and development projects.
- You are a clear communicator with a positive, can-do attitude.
- You have a passion for the bakery industry and a strong interest in worldwide cuisines.
Additional Information
- This is an on-site role, located at our Brentford Production Bakery.
- 40% team discount across our product range both online and in-store.
- You'll get 31 days of paid annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays.
- Access to our company pension scheme; 5% from you and 3% from us.
- Private Medical Insurance with Vitality Healthcare, providing you with a range of health and wellness services to support your well-being.
- Celebrate your birthday with a handmade birthday cake and enjoy the day off in addition to annual leave.
- Beyond statutory sick pay, we provide 3 days of full paid sick leave each year.
- Prioritise your well-being with dedicated leave for a 'Slice of Calm' day, there when you need it most.
About Us
Cutter & Squidge is a sister-run bakery with a passion for creating utterly indulgent treats that are as delightful to look at as they are to devour. From our West London bakery we handcraft a range of cakes, brownies, biskies and more; sourcing only the best natural and sustainable ingredients. We combine the best of classic baking with new and exciting flavours to create unique, memorable gifting moments and believe there’s always a new flavour to discover, a new design to unveil and a new smile to be had!
Regularly featuring in Good Housekeeping awards, Cutter & Squidge was named one of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies by the Sunday Times 100 in 2023 and awarded ‘Online Bakery of the Year 2024’ at the Bakery Industry Awards.
Pay: £40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Brentford TW8 9EZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you have professional experience in New Product Development (NPD), from initial concept through to launch? If yes, please give examples.
- How many years of experience do you have working in a professional kitchen, bakery, or food production environment? If yes, where?
- Do you have experience training or coaching a production team on new recipes or processes? If yes, please give examples.
- What is your current notice period?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
