# NPD Technologist (Bought-In Goods)

> Kepak Group · Dublin, Ireland (Hybrid) · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-13

**Workplace:** hybrid

**Department:** NPD

## Description

_Kepak Foods Division have developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland and chosen European markets for both Retail and Foodservice Customers.  We have 5 Manufacturing Sites supported by shared services, with over 800 people supporting our vision to become a transformed, future proofed, profitable €0.5bn Food Business by 2030._    
  
  
We're looking for an **NPD Technologist (Bought-In Goods)** to play a key role in turning exciting product opportunities into successful market launches for our site in Blanchardstown, Dublin..

Working closely with our NPD Product Manager, suppliers, and cross-functional teams, you'll help bring new concepts to life through hands-on prototyping, product evaluation, supplier collaboration, and project delivery. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys both the creativity of food development and the structure of managing products through a robust NPD process.

### What you'll be doing

-   Create and refine early-stage food and application prototypes in both Kepak and supplier kitchens
-   Partner with supplier development teams to transform concepts into commercially successful products
-   Support the delivery of projects through the Kepak NPD and Stage Gate process, keeping timelines, risks, and actions on track
-   Coordinate product samples, tastings, benchmark reviews, trials, and product assessments
-   Develop clear and engaging development briefs, ensuring product vision and consumer outcomes are communicated effectively
-   Work closely with Technical and Quality teams to ensure compliance, specifications, food safety, allergens, and documentation requirements are met
-   Support packaging development, artwork approval, supplier onboarding, and launch readiness activities
-   Prepare products and applications for customer presentations and internal reviews, showcasing product performance and recommendations
-   Contribute to cost optimisation, sustainability initiatives, alternative sourcing projects, and continuous product improvement
-   Maintain accurate project documentation, development records, and stakeholder communications throughout the development journey

## Requirements

-   Degree or diploma in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline, or a culinary qualification supported by relevant food product development experience.
-   Minimum 2+ years experience in an NPD, Technical or Product Development role in the food industry; practical kitchen-development or culinary prototyping experience is strongly desirable.
-   Ability to turn a written opportunity or concept into a tangible product prototype and communicate the intended sensory, functional and application outcome.
-   Good understanding of food manufacturing, ingredient functionality, specifications, allergens and product quality requirements.
-   Experience working with external suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders to progress multiple development projects.
-   Strong sensory judgement, tasting facilitation, benchmarking and product evaluation skills.
-   Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and comfortable using project management and NPD systems.
-   Full driving licence and willingness to travel to supplier kitchens, production sites, customers and market visits as required.

## Benefits

**What can we offer you?**

-   **Company Pension**
-   **Paid Maternity Leave**
-   **Further Education support -** You’ll have clear pathways for advancement, supported by continuous professional development and a range of learning opportunities
-   **Refer a Friend Scheme -** Earn up to Get up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.
-   **Bike to Work Scheme -** Purchase a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
-   **Long Service Awards -** We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees

#IND

## Apply

[Apply at Kepak Group](https://apply.workable.com/kepak/j/DD4FFCABDA/apply)

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