New Product Development

The New Product Development (NPD) role will lead the development of new seafood and aquaculture products from concept through to commercialisation. The position blends technical expertise, project management, and collaboration to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality products that meet customer, regulatory, and business requirements.

 The role can be tailored to suit an experienced technologist or a senior product development manager.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and manage new product and change projects from concept to commercialisation, ensuring cost-effective and on-time delivery

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including operations, quality, compliance, packaging, procurement, finance, and marketing

• Plan, coordinate, and document bench and factory trials, ensuring food safety by design

• Ensure product labels, specifications, and finished products comply with regulatory and food safety standards (including FSANZ and GS1)

• Liaise with suppliers to source compliant ingredients and packaging materials at optimal cost

• Conduct nutritional analysis, competitive benchmarking, sensory evaluation, and shelf-life testing

• Compile manufacturing dossiers and technical documentation to support smooth transfer to Operations

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on sustainability, product quality, and cost efficiency

• Engage with customers on label development, sample requests, and customer-specific product requirement.

What we’re looking for:

• 3–5 years’ experience in food technology or product development, ideally within FMCG, seafood, or protein-based manufacturing

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Sound knowledge of food safety systems, regulatory requirements, and labelling standards
  Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams

• Strong problem-solving ability and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
  Confidence working with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders

Your qualifications:

A career in New Product Development within aquaculture is typically supported by:

A bachelor’s degree in food technology, food science, product development, or a related discipline

Alternative pathways may include:

• Relevant industry experience supported by technical or project management training

• On-the-job progression from quality, technical, or production roles

Valued skills in aquaculture include:

• Experience with seafood processing, packaging, and ingredients

• Understanding of sustainability, recyclable packaging, and shelf-life testing

• Familiarity with ERP systems, artwork management, and technical documentation

• Knowledge of HACCP, allergen management, and food safety standards

Where to from here:

New Product Development professionals can progress into senior roles such as Senior Technologist, Product Development Manager, Technical Manager, or broader leadership positions in innovation, operations, or quality within the aquaculture and food manufacturing sectors.