NPD Technologist (Bought-In Goods)

 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