Technical/NPD Assistant

• Annual Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 (depending on experience)
• Location: Newry
• Job Type: Full-time

We are seeking a Technical/NPD Assistant to join our strong technical team. Reporting to the Technical Manager, this role is integral in supporting a variety of technical and quality assurance activities within a dynamic food manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be involved in everything from routine quality checks to preparing for BRC and customer audits.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Check and collate daily quality records.
• Conduct routine quality checks as required, including on raw materials, finished products, process control, labelling, allergenic, and traceability.
• Collect and organise samples for external analysis, including microbiological, chemical, speciation, allergenic, and environmental tests.
• Undertake Hygiene, Fabrication, Glass & Perspex audits.
• Handle Customer Complaints & Non-conformance issues.
• Update internal documentation, including quality records, issuing, and maintaining document control.
• Collate data and complete traces as required by company systems, customers, and third-party inspections.
• Assess work specifications and implement, update, and issue as and when required.
• Maintain cleaning and maintenance records.
• Review and maintain Supplier Approval for all Raw Material, Transport, Packaging, and Service suppliers.
• Ensure that all taste panels, shelf lives, and organoleptic testing are completed and recorded in line with company procedures.
• Assist in preparing for BRC and customer audits.
• Prepare and conduct NPD trials, including handling samples and documentation.
• Issue specifications and labelling.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 3rd level qualification in a food-related discipline, preferably within the meat industry.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Flexible, adaptable, and keen to learn.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise tasks, and maintain excellent attention to detail.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment.
• Exposure to diverse technical and quality assurance tasks.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.