NPD Assistant

Alexander Steele Recruitment has partnered with a large, well-established food group that supplies an extensive range of products to UK retailers, foodservice operators, and B2B customers. Due to continued growth and increased demand across their product portfolio, they are now looking to appoint an NPD Assistant at their Hertfordshire site.

On offer

• A salary of £30,000 - £35,000 DOE
• 25 days holidays + bank holidays
• Company pension
• Private healthcare

Key Responsibilities of the Role

• Coordinate and prepare product samples for internal reviews, customer presentations, and product evaluations.
• Carry out product testing activities including taste panels, benchmarking exercises, and shelf-life assessments to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Ensure all development paperwork, specifications, and records are accurately completed and maintained in line with internal procedures.
• Assist with maintaining development timelines, ensuring projects progress efficiently and meet agreed deadlines.
• Produce and document cooking instructions, product specifications, and technical information required for product launches.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments such as technical, commercial, and operations to support successful product delivery.
• Manage ingredient stock levels within the development kitchen and ensure it remains organised and fully operational.
• Support the implementation and administration of product development systems and processes.
• Participate in regular product reviews to evaluate quality and support continuous improvement.
• Assist with logistics coordination where required, including managing shipments and ensuring product availability for testing and review.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree in Food Science, Food Innovation, or a related discipline, with previous experience in an NPD environment preferred.
• Passion for food innovation, with awareness of current trends and new product activity.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and driven individual to support the development of innovative food products, working closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders throughout the full product lifecycle from concept through to launch.