Head of Food and Innovation

Location: Greater Manchester
Overview: Great opportunity for a Senior Packaging Technologist to join a leading food manufacturer in this unique opportunity. Whilst there is no guarantee, as they are part of a group, there may be opportunities elsewhere after the contract finishes.

Duration: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

About You:

• As Packaging Technologist, you will need to demonstrate your packaging experience ideally within flexible packaging and corrugate
• Understanding of EU packaging legislation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative approach.
• Proactive and organised with a pragmatic approach.
• The ability to hit the ground running and working at pace with a number of projects on the go at any one time.

What will you be doing?

• Deliver packaging expertise across the business to ensure they are legal and compliant.
• Executes development projects to meet the business needs for sustainability, innovation, cost reduction and quality improvements. 
• Ensure that quality expectations are met in terms of packaging quality and performance
• As Packaging Technologist, you will be supporting projects where packing expertise is required
• Create packaging briefs for existing and innovation pipeline

What can they offer you?
This is a great business to work for. Opportunities exist within not only your department but in the wider business too.

We are seeking applications from talented Packaging Technologists, Senior Packaging Technologists, Packaging Technologists, Materials & Packaging Technologists and Packaging Innovation Technologists who live within Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, such as Bolton, Oldham Bury, Rochdale, Stockport, Cheshire and Warrington.

How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re CH/TNT/3356 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: Greater Manchester
Overview: Our client is a well-established food manufacturer with an excellent reputation for product innovation and quality. Due to continued growth and an exciting pipeline of new product development projects, they are looking to strengthen their Development Team with the appointment of a Product Developer.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous NPD experience to take ownership of exciting development projects, working closely with customers and internal teams to bring innovative products from concept through to successful launch.

Key Responsibilities:

• As Product Developer, you will manage new product development and existing product improvement projects from concept through to launch.
• Develop products in line with customer briefs, market trends and commercial objectives, ensuring products meet both quality and cost expectations.
• Work closely with Technical, Production and Packaging teams throughout the development process, coordinating factory trials and supporting successful product launches.
• Source raw materials and support packaging development whilst managing products through a structured development process.
• Build strong relationships with customers, supporting presentations, product submissions and innovation projects across the business.
• Support junior members of the development team, providing guidance and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Previous experience within a Product Developer, Development Technologist or similar NPD role within food manufacturing.
• Experience managing products through the full development lifecycle, including factory trials and product validation.
• Experience within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, with exposure to cross-functional project teams.
• Experience working with major retailers or foodservice customers would be advantageous.
• Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong communication, organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to join a well-established and growing food manufacturer.
• Exciting role developing innovative products for high-profile customers.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment with genuine opportunities for career progression.
• Join a business with a strong focus on innovation, continuous improvement and employee development.

We are seeking applications from talented Product Developers, Development Technologists, NPD Technologists, Product Development Technologists, Food Technologists, and Process Technologists who live within Greater Manchester, Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale, Bury, Blackburn, Stockport, Wigan, Cheshire and surrounding areas.

How to Apply:
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re DW/TNT/3216 or phone 0161 399 1575 or 07830 944183 for a confidential discussion.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across Operations/Engineering/Technical/NPD/Supply Chain and Commercial. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: East Yorkshire
Overview: An exciting opportunity for an Assistant Junior Technologist to join a large multi-site company, investing greatly into their expansion.

About You:

• Ideally educated in a food science or similar degree
• Understanding of factory equipment and manufacturing processes
• As Assistant Process Technologist, you will be highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Has strong interpersonal skills and can interact with colleagues, management and customers in a professional manner
• Have an interest in food and keep up with new trends

What will you be doing?

• Support the delivery of process development projects from factory handover through to launch and post launch review.
• Build understanding of process capability
• The Assistant Process Technologist will collect, analyse and interpret process and production data to support decision making
• Work collaboratively across Process, NPD, Operations, Technical, Engineering, Planning, Procurement and Commercial teams.
• Maintain the development kitchen, ensuring it operates safely, efficiently and in compliance with food safety and health & safety standards.
• Comply with health and safety legislation

What can they offer you?
They offer a brilliant opportunity to grow your career within Process Development, in a progressive team, within a large-scale multi-site company.

We are seeking applications from talented NPD/Process graduates and Process Technologists in the North Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire areas.

How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re BG/TNT/3162 or call 0161 399 1575 for a confidential discussion.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: London
Overview: This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced New Food Development Manager to join a leading food manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality, innovation and premium food products. In this Maternity Contract, you will be working closely with the Head of Food, you'll lead the development and launch of new and redeveloped food products, driving projects from concept through to launch and post-launch review.

About you…

• Proven experience managing food development teams within food manufacturing.
• As NFD Manager, you will possess demonstratable experience in Process Management.
• Strong experience delivering NPD and/or EPD programmes.
• Experience within grocery, chilled food or ready meals would be highly advantageous.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, innovation and margin targets.
• Passionate about food with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

What will you be doing?

• Lead all New Food Development projects from concept through to launch and 26-week post launch review.
• Manage critical paths, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to specification.
• As NFD Manager, you will brief and direct chefs, technologists and process teams to achieve development objectives.
• Source and approve new raw materials, ensuring quality standards are established from the outset.
• Cost all development projects to meet agreed margin and commercial targets.
• Lead factory trials, process validation, shelf-life testing and due diligence activities.
• Deliver accurate trial reports, recommendations and project updates to stakeholders.

So, what can they offer you?
A fantastic opportunity to take ownership of high-profile food development projects within a business that is passionate about food innovation and quality. You'll play a key role in shaping future product ranges while leading a talented team in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

We are seeking applications from talented NPD Managers, NFD Managers, Food Development Managers, Process Managers, Senior NPD Technologists, Development Managers, Innovation Managers and Product Development Managers based within London, Watford, St Albans, Enfield, Hemel Hempstead, Slough, Reading, Croydon, Dartford, Chelmsford and surrounding areas.

How to apply?
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting reference JO/TNT/3113 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 for a confidential discussion.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: East Yorkshire
Overview: Are you a creative and commercially astute NPD professional looking to shape the future of product development within a fast-paced, chilled food manufacturing environment? This is a fantastic opportunity to lead innovation, deliver exciting projects, and drive growth for some of the UK’s leading retailers.

About You:

• Proven experience in chilled food manufacturing NPD, with a strong record of taking products from concept through to launch.
• Excellent project management skills, able to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to work closely with retail customers.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, able to work cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Passionate about food innovation and consumer trends, with a drive for continuous improvement.
• Coach and develop the NPD team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement working with the NPD Controller to create a high performing NPD Team.

What will you be doing?

• Leading the NPD agenda, managing projects from concept to launch, ensuring timelines, costs, and quality standards are achieved.
• Develop and maintain a proactive Innovation pipeline, covering NPD, EPD and new concepts, aligned to business strategy, food trends, category insight and growth plans.
• Working collaboratively with customers to understand briefs, present new ideas, and deliver commercially viable chilled food products.
• Partnering with technical, operations, and commercial teams to ensure seamless product launches.
• Keeping up to date with market insights, competitor activity, and emerging food trends to inspire innovation.
• Supporting the development of junior team members, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.

What can they offer you?

• Competitive salary package with benefits.
• The chance to work with a dynamic and supportive leadership team who value innovation and fresh thinking.
• Strong pipeline of exciting, chilled food projects offering real opportunity to make your mark.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing business.
• A collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise will directly influence the company’s success.

We are seeking applications from talented NPD Managers, Innovation Managers, Senior Product Developers, and Product Development Managers who live within commuting distance of East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Beverley or East Ridings and the surrounding areas.

How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re BG/TNT/3068 or call 0161 399 1575 for a confidential discussion.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: East Yorkshire
Overview: An exciting opportunity for a Senior NPD technologist to join a large multi-site company, investing greatly into their expansion.

About You:

• Ideally educated in a food science or similar degree
• Experience working as an NPD Technologist within UK food manufacturing
• Be highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Work using your own initiative either on your own or as part of a team
• Have an interest in food and keep up with new trends

What will you be doing?

• As Senior NPD Technologist, you will oversee NPD projects from concept till launch
• Work closely with commercial and supply chain in the business
• Build relationships with your customers and be the point of contact for them
• Keep ahead of industry trends, consumer insights and competitor activities
• Deal with all internal admin in a timely manner.

What can they offer you?
They offer you an opportunity to work closely with customers and develop the relationships. You would be joining a business that is well established and a leader in what they do.

We are seeking applications from talented NPD Technologists, NPD Managers, Senior NPD Technologists, Development Technologists who live commutable/are willing to relocate to the East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Beverley or East Ridings

How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re BG/TNT/3068 or call 0161 399 1575 for a confidential discussion.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: Greater Manchester
Overview: Our client has had a huge amount of change these past 24 months, all lead by the Senior Team and all very much for the positive. 
As a result, their Process teams are expanding and they’re now looking for Process Technologists seeking a new challenge. 

Key Responsibilities:
•    As the Process Technologist, you will support the NPD Manager on trials, capture key metrics and ensure seamless integration into the factory.
•    Take ownership of bringing new products through to a successful launch. 
•    Consistently identify opportunities for efficiency enhancement and yield improvements.
•    Develop and manage internal documentation and templates for all processes.
•    Drive initiatives to enhance product quality, meeting and exceeding industry standards.
•    Develop and strengthen relationships with cross-functional teams and external customers.

Qualifications and Experience:
•    Proven track record in a process technologist position within food manufacturing including practical, hands-on factory trials experience.
•    As Process Technologist, you will be detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
•    Ability to work alone, or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
•    Able to demonstrate where you have previously made cost savings, yield improvements and efficiency enhancements.
•    Preferably hold a degree in a science-based subject.

Benefits:
•    Chance to work with a forward-thinking and innovative company.
•    Engaging and supportive work environment.
•    Strong core values across the business. 
•    Continuous professional development and growth opportunities.

We are seeking applications from talented Process Technologists, Senior Process Technologists, Process Development Assistant, NPD Techs who live within Greater Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Blackburn, Bolton, Stockport, Wigan, Cheshire.

How to Apply:
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re CH/TNT/2770 or phone 0161 399 1575 or 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across Operations/Engineering/Technical/NPD/Supply Chain and Commercial. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.

Location: UK
Overview: Our client is seeking a creative Interim Development Chef to develop their products that meet the evolving needs of consumers in their category.

The Candidate:
•    Experience as a development chef within a food manufacturing environment
•    Expertise in recipe development and culinary innovation, preferably in a fast paced food manufacturing business
•    Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
•    Proficient in cost management and production efficiency strategies
•    Strong communication and collaboration skills

The Role:
•    Recipe development and innovation, creating and developing insight led new ready meal concepts, working as part of the development chef team, innovate with new ingredients, cooking techniques, and packaging solutions to differentiate products in the marketplace
•    Continuously refine products based on feedback from consumer panels, customer 
•    Develop recipes that meet target cost parameters while maintaining high quality and taste standards
•    Work with procurement teams to source cost-effective ingredients without compromising on quality
•    Provide training and support to production staff on the implementation of new recipes and techniques
•    As the Development Chef, support a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the NPD team

The Offering:
Day Rate, dependant on experience, plus expenses.

We are seeking applications from Development Chefs, Innovation Chefs, Product Development Chefs, Menu Development Chefs, R&D Chefs, Research and Development Chefs, Food Innovation Chefs.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.