Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a New Product Development Technologist role based at our Coventry site. This role will be responsible for managing our brand new Bakery Centre of Excellence.
As a member of the NPD team, you will be fully responsible for manging the Bakery Centre of Excellence and will be responsible for producing Test bakery products for current and new customers from concept through to plant trial stage.
The main purpose of this role will be
* To develop new products enabling a pipeline of NPD for existing and new customers and,
* To test and assesses alternative ingredient suppliers to unable delivery of cost savings or quality improvements through ingredient changes.
Both enabling a pipeline of product and packaging NPD for existing and new customers, including but not limited to benchmarking, taste panels, customer presentations, carrying out trials, draft product specification and first plant test runs.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Product Development
* Deliver Innovation for baked goods, sweet snacking and develop product range beyond current position based on the full and future capabilities of Guenther Bakeries European plants.
* Develop new recipes and products for existing briefs and blue-sky opportunities.
* Working with Procurement and Technical teams to evaluate new ingredients to deliver value or quality benefits to existing products or processes. (EPD)
* Ensure all test work is accurately documented and available to ensure allergen management compliance, aid product costing preparations, presentations to customer and transition of development products to plant.
* Support presentation of product samples to the customer and attend customer development sessions.
* Regular communication with wider NPD and Commercial team.
* Research current and emerging customer markets and latest technologies to develop new product concepts.
* Have a working understanding of Guenther current and future capabilities to aid NPD.
* To support and arrange trials, pre-production and launches of new products in partnership with the production, engineering, and planning teams.
* To complete all relevant PIOs and development specification information for new product launches
* Manage the Bakery Centre of excellence, as below.
Manage the Bakery Centre of Excellence, including but not limited to
* Production of test bakery and production line concept samples.
* Responsible for preparing and organising product samples for all customers including timely liaison with raw material suppliers, Commercial and Technical colleagues, and couriers for distribution of samples.
* Ensuring the work area is clean, neat, and tidy at all times.
* Preparation for customer visits and presentations.
Compliance:
* In conjunction with the NPD, Technical & Procurement Managers work with the Production teams to coordinate all change control procedures as they relate to changes in ingredients, recipes, and packaging materials.
* In conjunction with the HACCP teams, review and update raw material HACCP plans as a result of changes to ingredients, packaging materials etc.
* Ensure that all new materials introduced into the plant comply with Guenther and customer policies for raw materials, ensuring traceability and compliance to relevant standards, ensuring ingredient specifications are available for all new raw materials introduced into the plant.
* Responsible for compiling and ensuring the maintenance of company product profiles and draft product specifications. Including recipe development and costings.
* Compliance to Customer standards, ensuring ingredient specifications are available for all new raw materials introduced into the facility.
* Responsible for timely submission of products to appointed laboratory for analytical and nutritional testing.
* Ensure all development complies with current safety, customer, and legal requirements.
Working relationships.
* To attend, when appropriate, and positively contribute at customer and supplier sessions including but not limited to; current customers new customers, Chefs Councils, Supplier innovation events & restaurant trials / testing.
* To work alongside the Operations team to develop the ability to repeat processes to ensure consistency and safety.
* Liaison with Technical and Commercial colleagues in procurement, sales, and technical services to ensure a common message to the Customers.
* Working with the Engineering & Production teams to develop solutions to production issues whilst maintaining food safety.
Other:
* Work in a safe manner and comply with safety requirements.
* Employ a clean as you go attitude.
* Risk assesses all tasks and ensure that work is performed safely not endangering yourself or others.
* Undertake training offered that would benefit both you and the company.
* Work within procedures laid down by the company.
* Comply with fire duties as laid down in company procedure.
* Plus, any other duties which may be assigned in line with business requirements
Main Job Requirements:
Education / Certifications:
* Craft bakery experience (required)
* Bakery qualification or previous relevant experience in a range of bakery products (required)
Job Related Experience/Skills:
* Computer Literate (required)
* Previous experience of NPD product sample development (preferred)
* Previous experience of customer management (preferred)
* Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
* Excellent communication skills
* Strong attention to detail with excellent organisation skills
* Computer knowledge (Microsoft Office)
Knowledge skills & Abilities:
* Comfortable working within a rapidly evolving environment
* Logical thinker who is highly organised and able to prioritise and plan
* Ability to work within a small team or alone when required.
* Customer service and satisfaction orientated.
* Results focused and driven.
* Change driver who is enthusiastic and able to motivate other employees.
* Self-motivated and disciplined in work output (required)
Ability to communicate at all levels – written, verbal, facilitator, presentation
This role is ideal for a proactive individual eager to contribute their expertise in bakery innovation while ensuring compliance with rigorous safety standards.
Pay: Up to £36,400.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Coventry CV5 9PF: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
