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

• 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.

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

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