New Product Development Technician

Location: Mash Direct HQ, near Comber, Co. Down

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Expected Hours: 40 per week

Pay: £12.31 – £13.54 per hour

Reference ID: NPD (2504)

About the Role

At Mash Direct, we are continuously evolving our product range to stay ahead of changing food trends. As an FMCG business with innovation, excellence, and quality at our core, we are excited to recruit for a new opportunity within our Continuous Improvement Team.

We’re looking for a New Product Development Technician to support the development and control of new and existing products — ensuring they meet regulatory standards, customer expectations, and company specifications.

Main Responsibilities

– Develop new recipes and introduce products for retail and convenience markets in line with consumer trends

– Participate in client meetings, calls, and site visits to uphold Mash Direct’s high-quality reputation

– Prepare for and support creative launches of new products

– Trial and reformulate existing recipes as needed

– Support production during product trials and commissioning

– Cook and prepare products for internal and external tasting sessions

– Conduct regular tasting panels of standard and competitor products

– Accurately prepare recipes in the kitchen according to strict specifications

– Assist with pack copy information, including cooking instructions and shelf-life samples

– Follow the NPD process to ensure due diligence is achieved

– Liaise with the Technical team on product safety, consistency, quality, and legal compliance

– Maintain excellent housekeeping and hygiene standards

– Comply with all health and safety legislation and food hygiene regulations

Experience & Skills Required

– Previous experience in a similar NPD or food production role

– Strong understanding of HACCP and certified in food preparation and hygiene

– Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

– Strong time management and prioritisation skills

– Creative with a high attention to detail

Benefits

– Company events

– Discounted or free food

– On-site parking

Schedule

– 8 hour shift

– Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate: Must be able to reliably commute or plan to relocate to Newtownards before starting work.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Mash Direct is an equal opportunities employer