NPD Technologist

Job Introduction

What is the role?

The Food Technical team ensure the food and drink we sell and serve, is managed in a safe and legal way, delivering the highest possible product quality.  The Senior NPD Technologist will support the delivery of the technical product development of our Own Label products – including management of the associated supplier assurance protocols and product specifications working collaboratively with a variety of departments. 

As a Senior NPD Technologist, you will:

- Help develop, publish, regularly review and update our Selfridges Own Label Code of Business Conduct for Food Safety and Quality Management (Own Label Supplier and Product Safety Policy) in line with business requirements, legislation and/or industry best practice.

- Effectively manage the technical development, sign off and ongoing review of our Own Label suppliers, products, packaging and specifications; ensuring the design of our finished products align with our brand guidelines and technical expectations.

- Support the “Stage & Gate” process from concept to post launch evaluation – ensuring on-time delivery of All Year Round & Seasonal new products and range extensions. 

- Make sound recommendations for packaging suitability, challenging key stakeholders e.g. our Design or NPD Buying teams where necessary.

- Lead on technical aspects of the Own Label Artwork approval process, including proof-reading copy to ensure legal compliance.

- Conduct supplier audits and support suppliers (including small, artisanal producers) to deliver compliant products, packaging  and labelling. 

- Support post launch evaluations actions and procedures to maintain & ensure consistency in product quality and safety standard for food and packaging.

- Provide qualitative and quantitative feedback to the NPD Team e.g. via customer complaints reviews from traditional routes (Customer Services) and other platforms (social media).

Help build a sustainable future by supporting Project Earth Initiative

How you’ll do it, you will be

- Passionate about food, food quality and safety standards and product development.

- An excellent collaborator, building strong, sustained relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

- A great project manager who can deliver to tight deadlines, in an ever-changing environment.

- Organised. You can multi-task, and prioritise, whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail.

- An expert in food composition, food microbiology, allergen management controls and nutritional profiles. 

- Strong in your knowledge of food legislation and the associated regulations.

- The holder of a Level 3 HACCP qualification (minimum).

- An experienced lead auditor.

- Commercially astute, understanding and supporting the delivery of sales targets whilst balancing  the importance of legal obligations.

- Decidedly able to use your influence to effectively challenge peers and key stakeholders to protect the brand. 

- Simultaneously able to sustain positive relationships through active engagement.

- An advocate for diversity and inclusion in what you say and in what you do. Delivering our three core values with authenticity and integrity: 

Embrace Every Self, 

Create the Extraordinary and 

Lead with Purpose

Selfridges