Alexander Steele Recruitment
Graduate NPD Technologist

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Alexander Steele Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an expanding food manufacturing business in the search for a Development Technologist.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the beginning of their food manufacturing career who is passionate about food, enjoys being hands-on in the kitchen and wants to develop within an innovative business that supplies exciting products to well-known foodservice and retail customers.
You'll become part of a supportive and experienced product development team where you'll be encouraged to learn, contribute ideas and gain exposure to every stage of the product development process.
The Role
This is a varied position where no two days are the same. Working alongside experienced NPD professionals, you'll help bring new products to life whilst supporting projects from initial concept through to commercial launch.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the development of new products and improvements to existing recipes.
- Prepare product samples and carry out practical kitchen work to support development projects.
- Support factory trials, product launches and first production runs.
- Research food trends, ingredients and emerging consumer preferences to inspire new concepts.
- Work closely with Technical, Operations, Procurement and Commercial teams to ensure projects remain on track.
- Participate in product benchmarking, taste panels and product evaluations.
- Help organise and maintain an efficient, professional development kitchen.
- Contribute to customer presentations and innovation sessions when required.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with people who have a genuine passion for food and are looking to build a long-term career within food manufacturing.
Ideally you'll have:
- A Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts or related qualification (or equivalent industry experience).
- A genuine enthusiasm for cooking, ingredients and food innovation.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- The ability to manage several tasks within a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive approach and a willingness to learn from experienced colleagues.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Previous food manufacturing, development kitchen or foodservice experience would be advantageous, although not essential.
Why Join This Business?
- Salary circa £28,000
- Join a friendly, collaborative and highly experienced Development team.
- Genuine opportunities for career progression within a growing international food manufacturer.
- Gain exposure to the full NPD lifecycle, from concept creation through to successful product launch.
- Work on innovative products supplied to leading foodservice and retail customers.
- A varied, hands-on role where you'll develop both your technical knowledge and practical product development skills.
If you're passionate about food and looking for the perfect opportunity to launch or develop your career within New Product Development, we'd love to hear from you.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills