New Product Development Technologist Apprentice

ON A ROLL SANDWICH CO LTD

MIDDLESBROUGH (TS2 1RY)

Closes in 22 days (Friday 22 May 2026)

Posted on 29 April 2026

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Summary

Supporting the NPD team, On a Roll Sandwich Company is looking for a full-time Product Development Technologist Apprentice to assist with new and existing development projects. This role would be suitable for a candidate with a passion for food looking to begin their career in the food industry.

Wage

£18,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Food industry technologist (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Flexibility may be required.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 June 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • To assist the Product Development Manager on all new and existing product development projects.
  • To assist in recipe development using recipe sheets and sample materials to develop and send finished samples to our customers.
  • Learn how to carry out taste panel testing trials for existing and new products developed as part of the development process.
  • To support with liaising with suppliers in sourcing new raw materials, costings and ensuring our administration is up to date with correct ingredient specifications.
  • Develop knowledge in providing samples requested by customers
  • Communicating effectively with various departments to achieve project objectives.
  • Following all BRC, HACCP requirements during NPD work activities.
  • Organising & implementing factory trials and supporting the NPD Manager in other tasks to achieve on-time & efficient launches.
  • Communicating the outcomes & next steps following factory trials (e.g. new products, raw materials, packaging or processes) to the relevant teams.
  • Supporting with completion of all documentation associated with the NPD process (e.g. trial documents, sensory evaluation, shelf life review, recipe mix sheets, etc.).

Where you'll work

BARTON ROAD
MIDDLESBROUGH
TS2 1RY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

CQM TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY LIMITED

Training course

Food industry technologist (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Implement and maintain risk management systems (for example, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
  • Review and maintain technical procedures for food businesses.
  • Use a range of IT systems to analyse and interpret data to identify trends and drive Continuous Improvement (CI).
  • Provide and interpret management data and information (reports and presentations).
  • Conduct sensory evaluation activities.
  • Contribute to Continuous Improvement (CI).
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
  • Use problem solving techniques and investigation methods, including root cause analysis.
  • Influence and negotiate with colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders using technical language and methods appropriate to the audience.
  • Check raw materials, packaging and finished product quality against legislative requirements and specification.
  • Monitor and review manufacturing standards and parameters.
  • Support trials on new and existing products.
  • Investigate product non-conformance and recommend corrective action.
  • Contribute to the development and innovation of new and existing products.
  • Plan and produce samples suitable for all stages of the new and existing development process.
  • Contribute to the creation of product specifications and label content.
  • Contribute to the identification and selection of parameters for sensory analysis and shelf life evaluation.
  • Apply agreed standards to compare and evaluate against samples.
  • Compile product costings.
  • Conduct food product audits against standards and recommend areas for improvement.
  • Conduct food process audits against standards and identify non-conformities and recommendations for improvement.
  • Measure environmental conditions throughout the food manufacturing process and escalate non-conformities that could impact food safety and product quality.
  • Evaluate raw materials against agreed parameters and report non-conformities.
  • Measure and evaluate adherence to quality processing systems and standards.
  • Identify and communicate products and process issues and make recommendations for corrective action.
  • Oversee the implementation of corrective action to address product and process issues.
  • Carry out internal audits and participate in external audits.
  • Investigate and resolve problems, including customer complaints or quality issues.
  • Implement and maintain risk management systems (for example, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
  • Review and maintain technical procedures for food businesses.
  • Use a range of IT systems to analyse and interpret data to identify trends and drive Continuous Improvement (CI).
  • Provide and interpret management data and information (reports and presentations).
  • Conduct sensory evaluation activities.
  • Contribute to Continuous Improvement (CI).
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
  • Use problem solving techniques and investigation methods, including root cause analysis.
  • Influence and negotiate with colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders using technical language and methods appropriate to the audience.
  • Check raw materials, packaging and finished product quality against legislative requirements and specification.
  • Monitor and review manufacturing standards and parameters.
  • Support trials on new and existing products.
  • Investigate product non-conformance and recommend corrective action.

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4 or above)
  • Maths (grade 4 or above)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Food Preparation and Nutrition (grade 4 or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Self-Development Skills

About this employer

We are an independent food manufacturer based in Middlesbrough and are one of the largest privately-owned companies in the town. We specialise in food to go products (such as sandwiches, overnight oats, wraps and salads) and we are proud to supply to the Education, Retail, Travel and Healthcare sectors.

https://www.onarollsandwich.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Health & wellbeing programme
  • Subsidised on-site canteen
  • On-site parking

 

 

After this apprenticeship

Become an NPD Technologist!

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ON A ROLL SANDWICH CO LTD

Grace Salmon

gsalmon@onarollsandwich.co.uk

01642707092

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000029092.

Apply now

Closes in 22 days (Friday 22 May 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.