NPD Technologist (Bought-In Goods)

Kepak Foods Division have developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland and chosen European markets for both Retail and Foodservice Customers. We have 5 Manufacturing Sites supported by shared services, with over 800 people supporting our vision to become a transformed, future proofed, profitable €0.5bn Food Business by 2030. We're looking for an NPD Technologist (Bought-In Goods) to play a key role in turning exciting product opportunities into successful market launches for our site in Blanchardstown, Dublin.. Working closely with our NPD Product Manager, suppliers, and cross-functional teams, you'll help bring new concepts to life through hands-on prototyping, product evaluation, supplier collaboration, and project delivery. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys both the creativity of food development and the structure of managing products through a robust NPD process. What you'll be doing • Create and refine early-stage food and application prototypes in both Kepak and supplier kitchens • Partner with supplier development teams to transform concepts into commercially successful products • Support the delivery of projects through the Kepak NPD and Stage Gate process, keeping timelines, risks, and actions on track • Coordinate product samples, tastings, benchmark reviews, trials, and product assessments • Develop clear and engaging development briefs, ensuring product vision and consumer outcomes are communicated effectively • Work closely with Technical and Quality teams to ensure compliance, specifications, food safety, allergens, and documentation requirements are met • Support packaging development, artwork approval, supplier onboarding, and launch readiness activities • Prepare products and applications for customer presentations and internal reviews, showcasing product performance and recommendations • Contribute to cost optimisation, sustainability initiatives, alternative sourcing projects, and continuous product improvement • Maintain accurate project documentation, development records, and stakeholder communications throughout the development journey Requirements • Degree or diploma in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline, or a culinary qualification supported by relevant food product development experience. • Minimum 2+ years experience in an NPD, Technical or Product Development role in the food industry; practical kitchen-development or culinary prototyping experience is strongly desirable. • Ability to turn a written opportunity or concept into a tangible product prototype and communicate the intended sensory, functional and application outcome. • Good understanding of food manufacturing, ingredient functionality, specifications, allergens and product quality requirements. • Experience working with external suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders to progress multiple development projects. • Strong sensory judgement, tasting facilitation, benchmarking and product evaluation skills. • Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and comfortable using project management and NPD systems. • Full driving licence and willingness to travel to supplier kitchens, production sites, customers and market visits as required. Benefits What can we offer you? • Company Pension • Paid Maternity Leave • Further Education support - You’ll have clear pathways for advancement, supported by continuous professional development and a range of learning opportunities • Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to Get up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group. • Bike to Work Scheme - Purchase a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax! • Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees #IND