NPD/Technical Placement (12 months)

Job Title: NPD & Technical Placement Student (12 months)

Reporting To: NPD Manager & Technical Manager

Salary: Starting from £25,000

What will I be doing?  The candidate will spend 6 months with the quality and technical department and will assist the Technical Manager to ensure the BRCGS standard, legislative and customer requirements are met and maintained, and records updated as and when required.  They will learn about the tracking of technical documentation and carryout of the quality measurements. The placement student will then spend 6 months with the NPD department and learn about the development of commercial petfood products in a thriving food manufacturing business. They will learn how to meet customer requirements and help develop innovative, first to market products and processes to ensure Mackle Petfoods remains at the forefront of the petfood sector.

The Company:

Mackle Petfoods is an award winning, BRC Grade A* certified family company, which has been manufacturing high quality dog and cat food for over 50 years

The company employs over 270 staff across two production sites in Moy and Moygashel, Co. Tyrone. Each site has benefited from multi-million-pound investment in recent years to facilitate the production of increased volumes of pet food. The investment is a result of increasing demand from across the UK and Ireland, as well as the number of countries we now export to. Mackle Petfoods produces over 70 million cans and 40 million trays annually, including our trusted brands Naturo, Brandy and Cat Club.

At Mackle Petfoods, we understand that these figures would not be possible without our Petfood Family. People are our most valuable asset, and we understand the importance of developing our team.

Main Responsibilities:

• Work alongside NPD and Technical departments across the business in day-to-day activities including collection and sampling of daily production sensory panel to assess physical and chemical parameters.
• Play an active role in ensuring our food safety standards meet the requirements of various auditing bodies.
• Work with the management team in the execution of corrective actions in a timely manner, managing non-conforming raw materials or finished product.
• Policy reviews and updates in line with Customer Codes of Practice and current BRCGS standard.
• Help investigate and ensure products are developed, manufactured, and marketed to adhere and meet pet food legislation.
• Assist with planning, scheduling, preparation, and execution of EPD trials in conjunction with other departments. Informing teams of outcomes and next steps.
• Develop relationships and liaise with multiple stakeholders such as suppliers, customers, and other departments internally such as sales, marketing, production, and engineering.
• Any other duties, within reason and capability, as determined by the Senior Management Team.

Support and Mentorship:

• Line Manager: Will guide your progress, help set goals, and support the application of your academic learning in the workplace.
• Mackle Mentor: A dedicated mentor to assist with problem-solving and provide ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship.
• PPE Provided: Including work boots.
• Travel: Placement students are responsible for their own travel arrangements

Essential Criteria:

•  Currently enrolled in 3rd Level Education course/program
•  Completed at least one year in an appropriate 3rd level degree course or diploma
•   An enthusiasm to learn and get involved in a variety of tasks
•   Excellent interpersonal skills.
•   Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
•    Evidence of the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
•   Evidence of reliability and the ability to successfully achieve results while working independently and on own initiative
•  Evidence of the ability to work within a team
•  Evidence of excellent attention to detail.
•  Evidence of proactivity
•  Proven strong numeric skills
•  Proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software, email, and the internet.
• Able to work Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
•  Able to work flexibly as required ensuring business needs are met.
• Available to work Night Shifts on occasion to suit business needs
•  Have the right to work in the UK

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge or experience of the pet food industry or meat industry
•  Understanding of food safety
•  Understanding of HACCP
• Experience with BRC
• Level 2 Food Safety in Manufacturing
• Valid full driving license