Department: Technical / Commercial
Reports to: Technical Manager / Managing Director
Location: Grove Farm Smithboro, Monaghan
Contract: Part-time, 2 days per week (initial 6–12 month contract)
Potential to: Move to a full-time permanent position based on business needs and performance
Job Role
To lead and manage the development of new meat products from concept to launch, ensuring innovation, quality, and commercial viability. The role will focus on identifying market trends, developing new recipes and product formats, and supporting customer-driven projects to grow the company’s product portfolio within the Irish and export markets.
Product Development
Lead the creation and development of new meat products (raw, cooked, value-added, ready-to-eat, or ready-to-cook).
Manage all stages of the NPD process — from concept development, formulation, and sampling to scale-up and factory trials.
Work closely with Production, Technical, Procurement, and Sales to ensure new products meet cost, quality, and manufacturing feasibility requirements.
Conduct sensory evaluations, product benchmarking, and competitor analysis to support decision-making.
Maintain accurate development records, specifications, and formulations.
Customer and Market Focus
Engage with existing and potential customers to understand product needs, briefs, and specifications.
Support the preparation and presentation of product samples, concepts, and proposals for customer meetings.
Monitor food trends, consumer insights, and emerging technologies in the meat and convenience food sectors.
Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to identify new market opportunities and product gaps.
Process and Technical Support
Liaise with production and technical teams during factory trials to ensure smooth product transfer from development to manufacture.
Ensure all new products comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including labelling, allergen management, and traceability.
Support the Technical Manager in maintaining BRCGS and customer audit readiness through accurate product documentation and specifications.
Commercial and Cost Management
Work with procurement and finance teams to ensure ingredient and packaging choices meet cost targets.
Develop accurate product costings and margin analysis for proposed new products.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs and enhance product quality.
Person Specification
Essential
Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline.
Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in product development within the meat processing or wider FMCG food sector.
Strong understanding of meat formulation, processing techniques, and food safety principles.
Excellent project management skills with the ability to work across departments.
Strong communication and presentation skills — comfortable engaging with customers and internal teams.
Desirable
Experience working with Irish and UK retail or foodservice customers.
Knowledge of current and emerging food trends in meat and protein-based products.
Proficiency in NPD management systems and specification databases.
Familiarity with BRCGS, Bord Bia, and retailer-specific requirements.
Contract Terms
Contract type: Part-time, 2 days per week (flexible scheduling possible).
Duration: Initial 6–12 months, with review for permanent full-time employment based on performance and business growth.
Remuneration: Competitive, commensurate with experience.
Job Type: Part-time
Expected hours: 16 per week
Benefits:
On-site parking
Work Location: In person