Graduate Product Development Technologist

Summary

A hands‑on NPD role delivering new and improved pork and seafood products from concept to launch, supporting growth and profitability across European branded and own‑label ranges.

Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will support the delivery of New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) plans across the European Pork & Seafood Divisions. The role is responsible for developing, trialling, and implementing new products and product improvements from concept through to market, ensuring delivery to agreed quality, cost, and timescale standards.

• Act as a key member of the NPD team, executing development projects within agreed parameters.
• Develop, trial, and implement new products and product improvements in line with business and customer requirements.
• Liaise with customers where required to ensure effective communication and alignment with customer agendas.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Business Performance, Technical, Packaging, Sales, Marketing and Category teams to deliver projects on time and to budget.
• Source ingredients and cost materials to support development budgets under the direction of the line manager.
• Maintain awareness of food trends, competitor products, and emerging industry technologies.
• Apply strong food knowledge and product formulation expertise throughout development activities.
• Ensure compliance with Sofina NPD/EPD governance and relevant customer processes.
• Take a proactive approach to continuous improvement across products, processes, and ways of working.
• Ensure awareness of and compliance with Health & Safety requirements across all Sofina sites visited.

• Educated to HNC / degree level (or equivalent) in a food‑related or scientific discipline, or able to demonstrate relevant industry experience with a willingness to further develop qualifications.
• Creative and innovative problem solver with strong commercial awareness.
• Able to interpret and evaluate numerical data to support cost and margin decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Proactive, forward‑thinking, and well organised with strong project and time management skills.
• Holds a full driving licence and is flexible to travel as required.

• Competitive rates
• Online Benefits Hub
• Life insurance
• On‑site parking
• Company pension
• Referral programme
• Health & wellbeing programme

Sofina Foods is more than just a food company. It’s a place where you can grow your career, learn new skills, and make a positive impact on the world. With a wide range of meat and seafood products that delight consumers worldwide, Sofina Foods is always looking for talented and passionate people to join its team of over 13,000 employees across 40 sites in Canada and Europe, including Young’s Seafood and Karro Food Group.

At Sofina Foods, you will be part of a culture that values innovation, quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. You will also have the opportunity to work with diverse and delicious products that are sourced responsibly and sustainably from over 50 different protein sources from 5 continents. Sofina Foods has a 25 year history of excellence in the food industry and provides over 500 million meals for the global market every year.

Our vision is to be the most successful food company in the world. If you are looking for a rewarding and exciting career in the food sector, Sofina Foods is the place for you.

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Monday to Friday

Haverhill, Suffolk

Full‑time

Sofina Foods

GB