Overview:
NPD Technologist Apprenticeship (Food Technologist Level 3)
Kinnerton Confectionery, Fakenham NR21 8AF
Have you ever picked up a chocolate advent calendar, a NOMO bar or a seasonal chocolate gift and wondered how it got from an idea on to a retailer's store?
At Kinnerton Confectionery, our NPD team are at the heart of the business, creating exciting new products that delight customers across the UK. As our NPD Technologist Apprentice, you'll play a hands-on role in bringing innovative chocolate and confectionery concepts to life for major retailers and award-winning brands like NOMO and Kinnerton Kids.
The formal learning part of your apprenticeship will be delivered by Lincoln University Centre of Food Manufacturing. Review more about the course here: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/finteca3/
Position type: Temporary for the duration of the Apprenticeship (28 months)
Hours: 37.5
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Key Benefits: Earn while you learn on a starting salary of £24,784.76, with earning potential to increase up to £33,000 following successful completion of apprenticeship, Health care cash plan via Paycare
Start Date: Start working full-time at Kinnerton from August 2026 within the NPD team. The apprenticeship course begins in October 2026 via University of Lincoln for 24 months
Advert Closing Date: 07/08/2026
Responsibilities:
- Support the development of exciting new confectionery products for NOMO, Kinnerton Kids and retailer-branded ranges
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Assist with projects from initial concept through to launch and post-launch review
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Participate in factory trials, product testing and sensory evaluations
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Work closely with Production, Technical, Quality, Procurement, Commercial and Marketing teams
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Learn how product development balances creativity, food safety, quality, manufacturing capability and cost
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Help review customer feedback, market insights, retailer requirements and industry trends
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Assist with product specifications, project documentation and data analysis
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Attend apprenticeship learning blocks and successfully complete all coursework and assessments
In this role, you won't just observe, you'll be contributing to real product development projects that end up on retailer shelves across the UK. You'll learn:
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How new confectionery products are developed, tested and launched
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How ingredients, recipes and manufacturing processes influence product quality and performance
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What different teams across a food manufacturing business do
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How customer feedback, retailer requirements and product performance influence future innovation
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How successful products progress from an initial idea to a finished product in store
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You'll gain exposure to the entire product development lifecycle while building relationships with teams across the business and learning from experienced food technologists and product developers.
Qualifications:
- GCSE English Maths at Grade 4 (previously C)
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A genuine interest in food manufacturing and chocolate product development
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Strong organisational and time management skills
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Good communication skills and a willingness to learn
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Confidence using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel
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Ability to travel to Lincoln for residential study blocks throughout the apprenticeship (accommodation provided by Kinnerton)
Rewards Benefits:
- Food Technologist Level 3 Apprenticeship qualification
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Practical experience within a leading confectionery manufacturer
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Mentoring from experienced NPD and packaging professionals
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25 days holiday plus bank holidays (33 days in total)
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4% employer pension contribution
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Life Assurance x4 basic salary
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Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), along with access to Paycare Perks for exclusive high street and retailer discounts.
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Excellent career development opportunities within food innovation
About Us:
Based at our Fakenham site, you'll join a creative NPD team responsible for developing exciting confectionery products and packaging solutions supplied to major UK retailers.
Application & Interview Process:
Please apply online via our careers portal, upload your CV and answer the application questions. Successful candidates will be invited to Kinnerton to participate in an Assessment day consisting of a 1:1 interview, factory tour, and group activity.
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 reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
