New Product Development Specialist (FMCG)

Role overview

The Happy Pear is seeking an NPD specialist for a fixed-term maternity cover assignment of 1 year in Kilcoole, County Wicklow. This opportunity sits within a fast-moving plant-based food innovation environment and is suited to someone with a background in food science, technology, nutrition, or a closely related discipline.

The position is set at a salary of €40,000 to €45,000 per year and involves close collaboration with production, quality, finance, operations, purchasing, brand teams, external suppliers, and other internal stakeholders. The work combines hands-on product development with strong documentation, regulatory awareness, and cross-functional project delivery.

Core duties

• Lead both existing product development and new product development work in line with the company’s framework, BRCGS standards, legal requirements, and customer specifications for retail and food service products.
• Prepare clear project briefs based on the requirements defined by the Production Director or customers.
• Identify better or more cost-effective ingredients and packaging options, while also building supply continuity for raw materials and handling packaging approvals.
• Work with operations to scale up both new and current recipes so products can be introduced successfully into production.
• Partner with operations and purchasing to identify and onboard alternative or new suppliers.
• Maintain supplier and specification records so information remains current and accurate.
• Complete quality and food safety checks, inspections, and related analysis.
• Arrange external testing of samples according to the internal testing plan.
• Approve fermented product batches before packing until production formally takes over that responsibility.
• Draft and verify finished-product specifications, including those for Musgrave’s products.
• Run shelf-life studies and sensory trials for new and existing items, and lead tasting panels to compare variations and benchmark competitors.
• Keep up to date with relevant food legislation, scientific and technical changes across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, and implement required updates.
• Manage project files and records carefully so every trial and development item follows the right procedure and meets required standards such as BRCGS, Musgraves, FSAI, and the stage-gate process.
• Collaborate with Musgrave’s brand and product development teams to improve products, packaging, artwork, and product ranges.
• Attend meetings at different levels and ensure assigned actions are completed and closed out.
• Participate in regulatory, internal, external, and third-party audits.
• Work across production, quality, and operations to ensure new products are launched on time and handed over smoothly, including training staff on work instructions and product standards.
• Create internal product labels and support artwork sign-off processes.
• Serve as a HACCP team member and support QA by taking ownership of BRCGS Clauses 5 and 6.
• Handle additional operational or quality-related tasks as needed, with flexibility to work in a practical, hands-on way.

Candidate profile

The role calls for someone who can perform in a busy environment, stay organised, and solve problems effectively. A strong foundation in food science and product development is important, along with confidence working with multiple stakeholders and managing several projects at once.

Requirements

• A third-level qualification in food science, science, technology, nutrition, or a related area.
• At least 3 years of experience in FMCG product manufacturing.
• Strong IT ability, including use of Google Workspace and stock management systems such as Unleashed or similar tools.
• Good working knowledge of food safety, quality, regulatory obligations, and BRCGS requirements related to product development.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build effective cross-functional relationships and influence others.
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical ability, and project management capability.
• A creative mindset, positive attitude, and readiness to take initiative.
• Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Strong organisation and troubleshooting skills, with the flexibility to manage competing priorities.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role.

Desirable

• An interest in healthy living and in contributing to a happier, healthier world.
• Prior exposure to a BRCGS audit or a similar audit process.

Additional information

This is a 1-year fixed-term contract covering maternity leave. The job is based in Kilcoole, County Wicklow, Ireland. Candidates must already be eligible to live and work in the EU. No relocation assistance will be provided.

The Happy Pear states that it is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company also emphasises its focus on health, sustainability, and plant-based food innovation.

Working style

The position is on-site and operates within a dynamic, progressive, and fast-paced team environment.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role is €40,000 to €45,000.