NPD Technologist Apprenticeship (Food Technologist Level 3)

Support the development of exciting new confectionery products for NOMO, Kinnerton Kids and retailer-branded ranges Assist with projects from initial concept through to launch and post-launch review Participate in factory trials, product testing and sensory evaluations Work closely with Production, Technical, Quality, Procurement, Commercial and Marketing teams Learn how product development balances creativity, food safety, quality, manufacturing capability and cost Help review customer feedback, market insights, retailer requirements and industry trends Assist with product specifications, project documentation and data analysis Attend apprenticeship learning blocks and successfully complete all coursework and assessments In this role, you won't just observe, you'll be contributing to real product development projects that end up on retailer shelves across the UK.

You'll learn:

How new confectionery products are developed, tested and launched How ingredients, recipes and manufacturing processes influence product quality and performance What different teams across a food manufacturing business do How customer feedback, retailer requirements and product performance influence future innovation How successful products progress from an initial idea to a finished product in store

You'll gain exposure to the entire product development lifecycle while building relationships with teams across the business and learning from experienced food technologists and product developers.

Training:
Kinnerton Confectionery Co Ltd, Oxborough Lane, Fakenham, NR21 8AF

Training Outcome:

Once qualified, you will become a trained Food Technologist and can specialise in packaging, ingredients, recipe development with career routes such as NPD Manager. Or, you could move into food quality, innovation or marketing.

Employer Description:

Kinnerton is far from your typical brand. Pioneering the introduction of character chocolate in the UK in 1978 under the Kinnerton Kids label, we have consistently evolved, securing our position as one of the UK's leading manufacturers of seasonal goods. 

Our Fakenham site operates across three key production areas - Novelty, Nut, and Moulding, each led by a Plant Manager and supported by dedicated Shift Managers working on a 4 on 4 off pattern across days and nights. The site is a 11,000m² facility producing over 8,500 tonnes of confectionery annually, including NOMO – the UK’s #1 free-from chocolate brand. With advanced technology and a nut-safe promise, we supply major retailers and co-manufacture for some of the world’s biggest confectionery brands. Every year, we produce over 5 million advent calendars and 30 million Easter eggs – making this a fast-paced, innovative environment where no two days are the same.  

As a key player in the Zertus UK & Ireland Snacking & Chocolate Market Unit, we collaborate with esteemed food manufacturers nationwide. 

Working Hours :
Monday- Friday, 08:30- 16:30

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Patience