NPD Technologist | Food Manufacturing | Hybrid | Dorset

Food Technologist | New Product Development | FMCG | Retail | Product Development

Dovetail Recruitment are recruiting for an experienced NPD Technologist / Food Technologist to join a fast-moving FMCG food business developing innovative own-label products for major UK retailers.

This is a highly varied, end-to-end product development role where you’ll take products from concept through to launch, working across formulation, innovation, retailer presentations, supplier collaboration, and commercial delivery.

The business operates in an agile environment with strong retailer partnerships, giving you real influence over new product launches, innovation pipelines, and category development.

This opportunity would suit someone from a food manufacturing, FMCG, or retail supply background looking for more ownership, creativity, and progression within NPD.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead new product development projects from concept to launch
• Develop and optimise formulations including taste, nutrition, quality, and cost
• Manage product launches, timelines, and critical paths
• Deliver product presentations, benchmarking, and tasting sessions
• Identify market trends and consumer insights to drive innovation
• Work closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners
• Collaborate cross-functionally with technical, commercial, sourcing, and supply chain teams
• Support retailer relationships and innovation strategy
• Attend UK and occasional European trade shows

Experience Required

• Experience within NPD, food technology, or product development
• Background in food manufacturing, FMCG, or retail supply
• Strong knowledge of ingredients, formulations, and sensory evaluation
• Experience managing multiple projects and critical paths
• Ability to present confidently to customers and internal stakeholders
• Commercial awareness including costings and margins
• Passion for food innovation and market trends

Benefits

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Annual salary reviews
• Bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday increasing with service
• Option to buy additional holiday
• Medical cash plan and mental health support
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Pension contribution
• Learning, development, and progression opportunities
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Social events and team activities
• Free parking

Keywords

NPD Technologist, Food Technologist, New Product Development, FMCG, Food Manufacturing, Product Development, Food Innovation, Formulation, Retail, Own Label, Ingredients, Sensory, Product Launch, Critical Path Management, Food Industry Jobs, Dorset Jobs, Hybrid Working