Kepak is a family-owned, future-facing food company with a rich heritage of more than 50 years of meat craft. From the establishment of a family owned butcher shop in Dublin in 1966, Kepak has grown significantly and today the group has a turnover of €1.6bn and employs more than 5,000 people across 12 manufacturing sites in Ireland and the UK.

 Kepak supplies prime cuts of meat to some of the biggest names in retail, wholesale and foodservice across Ireland, UK, Europe and internationally.

With over 50 years’ expertise in meat craft, we are still leading the way with bespoke innovations and highly successful, international food brands, including Rustlers.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Senior NPD Process Technologist to join the team based at Kepak Kirkham.

Why join our NPD and innovation team:

• Work with NPD & Lead out  EPD, Contingency & CSI’s: Drive product execution from concept handover to launch.
• Collaborate & Innovate : Partner with R&D, technical and production teams.
• Optimize Processes: Improve efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Career Growth: Step up in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Make an Impact: Shape products & brands consumers love

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

• Reports to NPD Product Manager. The role is to support the delivery of the Kepak Foods NPD agenda whilst working with the broader Foods NPD team on projects where appropriate, aligned to the wider business strategy.
• The role may have line management responsibility.

JOB PURPOSE/PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

Supporting the Product Manager in setting the NPD agenda. This role is integral to the innovation, optimization, and continuous improvement of our product portfolio. The successful candidate will focus on the development of existing products in our Rustlers range, driving cost-saving initiatives, and managing contingency plans, all while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as Operations, Technical, and Purchasing. Working on projects from concept handover to launch in both Kirkham and Ireland, launching new products with confidence whilst adhering to the Kepak NPD processes ensuring technical and quality standards are achieved and demonstrating efficient ways of working. You will help lead internal and external projects and facilitate successful scale up into the factory to meet both the customer and businesses expectations, whilst satisfying all relevant technical and operational criteria in line with a critical path.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities associated with this role include, but are not limited to the following:

Product Development:
◦ Lead the process development of existing products, enhancing quality, efficiency, and consistency.
◦ Identify and implement process improvements to optimize production for both cost savings and operational efficiency.
◦ Be the expert for scaling up products from kitchen concepts to full-scale manufacturing, ensuring smooth transitions from NPD trials to production.

Cost Optimization:
◦ Collaborate with the Purchasing team to identify and evaluate cost-saving opportunities, including ingredient substitutions, supplier changes, and manufacturing efficiencies.
◦ Drive cost engineering projects to reduce production costs without compromising product quality or safety.
◦ Conduct process reviews to optimize raw material usage, improve yields, and reduce waste in production processes together with the Head of Process & Product.

Contingency Planning:
◦ Develop and manage contingency plans to mitigate risks related to ingredient availability, equipment failures, and supply chain disruptions.
◦ Work closely with the Operations and Purchasing teams to ensure continuity of supply and production.
◦ Provide technical support in the event of production challenges, ensuring swift and effective solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
◦ Liaise with Operations to ensure that all processes are feasible for full-scale production, providing hands-on support during trials and first runs.
◦ Partner with the Technical team to ensure all products comply with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
◦ Support Purchasing by providing technical insights on raw materials and supplier capabilities, ensuring the selection of high-quality, cost-effective ingredients.

Process Improvement:
◦ Analyze production data and feedback to continually improve processes, enhancing efficiency, quality, and consistency across all products.
◦ Lead problem-solving efforts for any issues arising during manufacturing, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
◦ Champion the adoption of best practices and innovative technologies within the manufacturing process.

Project Management:
◦ Manage multiple NPD and process optimization projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required standards utilizing Wrike.
◦ Maintain clear project documentation, including trials, product specifications, and process guides.
◦ Report regularly on project progress, highlighting any risks or challenges and recommending solutions.

Compliance & Quality:
◦ Ensure that all products and processes adhere to food safety regulations, quality standards, and customer specifications.
◦ Work with the Technical team to ensure that process changes do not negatively impact product safety or quality.
◦ Support audits and customer visits, providing technical expertise and evidence of process controls

Requirements

SKILLS/ KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE:

• Food Technology/Food Manufacturing/Life-Science Related Qualification.
• 7+ years’ experience in NPD at senior level.
• Meat industry experience (advantageous but not strictly required).
• Technically minded with high degree of analytical ability.
• Commercially aware with a good grasp of consumer trends and the retail landscape.

• Experience working in matrix style structures requiring alignment to multiple functions.
• Confident with Microsoft Office, Teams, Wrike (advantageous).

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• A passion for food.
• Great organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to priorities your work load to meet deadlines is essential.
• Diligent with a keen eye for detail.
• Flexible approach to workload.
• Excellent Time Management & Communication skills.
• Full Driving License is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus potential
• BUPA Cash plan free of charge
• Values awards program
• Employee assistance program
• Cycle to work scheme
• Corporate gym membership at Ribby Hall Village
• Salary sacrifice pension plans
• Life assurance
• Subsidised canteen and free hot drinks