Product Development Technologist

Are you looking to start or continue your career in New Product Development? We have a new opportunity for a Product Development Technologist to join our NPD team in Middlesbrough!

About The Compleat Food Group

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.

We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.

With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.

Location: Middlesbrough
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 5pm and Friday: 8:30am - 4pm with some travels
Salary: £28,000 per annum

Job Purpose:

To support the development teams with product development activities and fostering positive relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.

Key Duties, Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

Support the Development and Culinary teams in the creation and refinement of recipes in line with customer requirements and expectations
Being actively involved in the kitchen with the creation of samples and food for key meetings
Support in the organisation and set up of customer and internal presentations and events
Co-ordinate sample requests – obtaining samples, booking couriers, liaising with relevant parties to ensure timely delivery of samples
Support product developers with completion of NPD documents, e.g. submission forms, feasibility and handover documents
Support in the maintenance of Recipe Professor for the site
Assist with the sourcing and viability of new raw materials from an operational, technical and product development perspective
Follow the critical path timelines - escalating incomplete tasks and risks to prevent delays in product approval and launch.
Assist with customer specification information collection and approval of artwork
Complete benchmarking documents, store visits, support panels to develop sound understanding of existing (EPD) and New Product Development (NPD)
Support the site process team on trials, data collection and factory paperwork when required
This role requires product tasting across multiple categories and may include meat-based products

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Passion to start or continue career in New Product Development
Food based / Culinary qualification - desirable
Keen interest in food
Confident in the kitchen
Positive, can-do attitude
Knowledge of product launch process (advantageous)
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
Good planning, organisation and project management skills
Good analytical and numeracy skills
Attention to detail
Good level of computer literacy – Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams
Understanding of UK and European food regulation and legislation
Driving Licence

Why Join Us?

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing and career growth:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits:

Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
Annual leave with the option to purchase extra
Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
EV charging points - available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing:

24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts
Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid

Career Growth & Development:

Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
Company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
Recognition through Club Compleat rewards

Community & Culture:

2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
Charity initiatives and fundraising events
Team socials to connect and celebrate together
Employee networks & support groups - including Women @ Compleat
New baby gift for new parents

What You Should Know About How We Recruit

We hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. Our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and designed to give everyone an equal chance.

You’ll also find benefits that support people at every life stage, plus active internal networks — including Women @ Compleat, LGBTQIA+, and Neurodiversity

REF-(Apply online only)