Overview:
NPD Technologist
Kinnerton Confectionery, Fakenham (Norfolk)
Join Kinnerton Confectionery and play a key role in bringing innovative chocolate and confectionery products from concept to launch. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of product development, working cross-functionally to deliver delicious new products to market.
As an NPD Technologist, you will support the NPD Manager in taking product ideas through the full product development process, from creative concept through to successful product launch. You’ll work closely with Innovations, Marketing, Operations, and Technical teams to ensure products are developed efficiently, meet customer requirements, and are right first time.
This is a hands on, site based role with real involvement in trials, launches, and customer-facing activities, perfect for someone looking to build their career in food innovation.
Position type: Permanent Full-Time
Hours: 37.5
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30 (Flexibility is required for factory trails, 06:00 start twice a week)
Pay range: up to £33,587
Key Benefits: Healthcare cash plan via paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling) with a value over £400 each year.
Closing date: Friday 12th June 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 22nd June 2026
Responsibilities:
Product Development & Delivery
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Support the development and launch of new confectionery products in line with business strategy and customer briefs
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Attend and support critical product launches, ensuring products meet specification
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Prepare and manage product samples for internal and customer review
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Conduct shelf-life validation, nutritional analysis, raw material sourcing and generating photographic standards
Process & Systems
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Maintain accurate and timely data within NPD systems (e.g. product specs, recipes, submissions, shelf life)
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Ensure HACCP considerations are embedded throughout the development process
Trials
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Support factory trials, capturing data, analysing results, and presenting findings
Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Work closely with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure all product are factory fit
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Contribute to and lead meetings where required, representing the business professionally
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Support communication between departments to ensure smooth product handover to operations
Technical & Personal Development
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Develop a strong understanding of site manufacturing capabilities and processes
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Stay up to date with confectionery technologies and market trends
Qualifications:
We’re looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for food and turning ideas into real products.
Essential:
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New Product Development experience within the food industry
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Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
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Confidence working with data and good Excel skills
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The ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and work to tight timelines.
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Excellent communication and teamworking skills
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Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn
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Flexible to support trials and launches
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Energetic and comfortable in a fast-paced environment
Desirable:
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Food Science/Food Technology Degree or equivalent
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Comfortable working cross-functionally and building relationships
Rewards Benefits:
- 25 days + bank holidays, holiday entitlement
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4% employer and 5 % employee pension plan
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Life assurance plan x4 basic salary
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Various salary sacrifice schemes including pension payments, cycle to work and electric car (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
- Healthcare cash plan via paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling) with a value over £400 each year
About Us:
The Fakenham site is a 11,000m² facility producing over 8,500 tonnes of confectionery annually, including NOMO – the UK’s #1 free-from chocolate brand. With advanced technology and a nut-safe promise, we supply major retailers and co-manufacture for some of the world’s biggest confectionery brands. Every year, we produce over 5 million advent calendars and 30 million Easter eggs – making this a fast-paced, innovative environment where no two days are the same.
Application & Interview Process:
Please apply online via our careers portal: create your account, upload your CV, and answer all requested questions. You will then be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team and, if progressed, enter a two stage interview process at our Fakenham site, including a factory tour and the opportunity to meet the team.
Kinnerton Confectionery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.
