Job Description

NPD Process Development Technologist

Location: Airdrie, North Lanarkshire

Department: New Product Development

Reporting to: NPD Manager

About the Role

Albert Bartlett is looking for an enthusiastic and driven NPD Process Development Technologist to join our growing New Product Development team.

In this role, you will play a key part in bringing innovative food products to market, supporting the development process from kitchen handover through to successful factory launch. Working closely with Operations, Technical, Procurement and external suppliers, you will plan and coordinate factory trials, manage product launches, and ensure all customer requirements are met within agreed timelines.

This is an excellent opportunity for a food professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about turning great product concepts into successful finished products.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in product handover meetings for approved launch projects.
• Plan, coordinate and support factory trials alongside operational teams.
• Ensure ingredients, packaging, equipment and processes are ready for trial activity.
• Complete detailed trial reports and manage follow-up actions through to launch.
• Collect and analyse process measurements during trials and pre-productions.
• Support customer visits, factory trials, pre-productions and launch activities.
• Liaise with suppliers to coordinate materials and manage project timelines.
• Prepare and maintain factory documentation including batching sheets and line standards.
• Coordinate product testing including nutritional analysis, shelf-life assessments, organoleptic testing and external cooking validations.
• Prepare and submit samples for laboratory analysis.
• Create and complete customer Quality Attribute Standard (QAS) documentation and ensure approval before launch.
• Conduct transit trials and other customer-specific validation activities.
• Maintain trial trackers and project documentation.
• Build strong working relationships with Technical, Operations and other key stakeholders to ensure successful product launches.

Requirements

We're looking for someone who is passionate about food, highly organised and enjoys working collaboratively across multiple teams.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years' experience within a New Product Development (NPD) environment.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes.
• Excellent organisational and project coordination skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when completing documentation.
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong team player with a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline, or HND equivalent.
• Experience working with UK retail customer development processes.
• Experience using project management systems.
• Food Hygiene Level 2.
• HACCP Level 2.
• Food Labelling Regulations training.

About you

• A genuine passion for food and product innovation.
• A good culinary understanding and interest in food trends.
• Creativity, resilience and a positive attitude.
• The ability to engage effectively with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
• A desire to see products progress successfully from concept to launch.

Benefits

• Long Service Awards
• Employee of the Month & On the Spot Awards
• Discounted Staff Sales
• Life Assurance
• Access to Free Wellbeing Services (inc. counselling and financial advice).
• Retailer Discount Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Wellbeing & Engagement Events throughout the year
• Free Parking