Kristina Herron
Summary
An organised and dependable NPD Technologist with 5+ years experience in the food industry in technical and research & development roles. Successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. A passion for driving high performance, as well as having the ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders to achieve the desired results and exceed expectations.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
NPD Technologist
Prep House
Crossgar, County Down
06.2025 - 04.2026
- Led the development of new sauces from concept through to factory trials, ensuring alignment with brand, cost and technical feasability
- Delivered 17 new product launches within a 10-month period.
- Led the development of the Prep House Christmas range from concept to launch which contributed to a 377% increase in profit from the previous years Christmas range
- Produced and maintained specifications, recipes and trial documentation
- Conducted benchtop trials to optimise the taste, texture and shelf life of new and existing products within cost restraints
- Led factory trials and 1st productions, liaising closely with operators to resolve any processing issues
- Liaised with suppliers to source new or alternative ingredients for sauces while keeping within the project budget
- Carried out organoleptic testing on sauces to determine the shelf life
- Coordinated customer presentations both on and off-site, showcasing new product developments and incorporating feedback to support a successful project with the customer.
Assistant Food Designer
Kellanova (Kellogg's)
Manchester, UK
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Modified existing products and recipes to achieve cost savings, enhance taste and texture, and improve the nutritional profile
- Conducted smaller-scale trials in the pilot plant, assisting with both top-line growth projects and redevelopment of existing products
- Successfully supported business continuity projects for dual sourcing of ingredients or finding suppliers for ingredients at risk
- Maintained high product standards throughout the development process, ensuring all products met quality and compliance requirements
- Successfully led and coordinated the shipment of trial ingredients to the USA for critical project trials over several months, liaising with suppliers while adhering to budget constraints
- Attended and supported plant trials at multiple Kellogg factories and co-manufacturers across the UK, Europe, and the USA
- Fully proficient in cereal and snack analysis using texture analysers, Computrac moisture reader, water activity meter, and pH meter
- Experienced in using SAP software for managing food specifications and recipes
Research & Development Technician
Kellanova (Kellogg's)
Manchester, UK
09.2023 - 09.2024
- Supported the day to day running of a world class Centre of Excellence
- Prepared ingredients and equipment in a timely matter ready for project work in the pilot plant e.g setting up equipment and weighing up ingredients in preparation for the trial
- Supported the food and packaging designers both in the pilot plant and further afield through various activities like participating in trials, carrying out moisture and texture analysis, preparing labels and completing shipments
- Carried out internal audits within the pilot plant to ensure the highest safety, quality and hygiene standards were being maintained
- Coordinated a small food safety team within the pilot plant to improve current processes and to ensure that research food being produced was done in a compliant and safe way
- Coordinated the ordering of over 50 different ingredients for trials within the UK, Europe and America, with all ingredients arriving on time for the trials meaning that the recipes could be run efficiently and without any shortages
Technical Assistant
Iceland Manufacturing Ltd
Manchester, UK
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Compiled trend information to generate weekly presentations and drive improvements for complaints, microbiology, and other technical Key Performance Indicators
- Handled all customer complaints and successfully completed complaint report investigations within a 2-week deadline
- Proactively responded to alert the site and customer of any adverse trend in reported complaints
- Attended and hosted meetings to brief the site, customers, and the client on complaint performance and handling to drive further reduction
- Managed the internal auditing schedule ensuring that all audits are completed by the team within pre-agreed timeframes
- Reviewed artwork for new and existing products in line with agreed specifications
- Managed the document control procedure
Raw Materials Technologist
Iceland Manufacturing
Manchester, UK
10.2022 - 01.2023
- Contributed to delivering, operating, and maintaining all activities required to ensure food safety, quality, legality, and integrity throughout all site production, storage, and packaging operations
- Conducted goods in inspections on all raw materials against agreed specifications and agreed schedules
- Used NAV system to log information and ensure full traceability of products
- Carried out shelf-life extension requests where required which, in turn, helped to prevent unnecessary waste
- Liaised with suppliers to discuss issues/non-conformances with raw materials
- Supported investigations relating to customer complaints or other quality defects
Technical Assistant (Placement)
Mash Direct
Comber, UK
03.2020 - 08.2021
- Achieved a consistent KPI score of 90% and above in quality paperwork completed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
- Ensured that CCPs were being met and implemented corrective action procedures within prescribed guidelines
- Carried out food safety and QC inspections on raw materials at intake & at key product process points
- Audited the factory (GMP, Glass & Plastics, and Hygiene audits) and reported findings to the Technical manager
- Supervised production staff in the factory to ensure that high food safety standards and quality were being met
- Facilitated regulatory (BRC, EHO) & customer visits to the factory
- Successfully dealt with customer complaints, helping customers and resolving problems and concerns
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Design & Nutrition
College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
Co.Tyrone 09.2018 - 06.2022
A LEVELS - Food science and nutrition (A), Religious Studies (B), Biology (C)
Strathearn School
Belfast 09.2016 - 06.2018
GCSE'S - 9 GCSE's grade A-B including Mathematics and English
Strathearn School
Belfast 09.2014 - 09.2016
Skills
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Recipe Formulation
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- HACCP and Food Safety
- Product Development
- Microsoft Applications Proficiency
REFERENCES
References available upon request
Timeline
NPD Technologist
Prep House
06.2025 - 04.2026
Assistant Food Designer
Kellanova (Kellogg's)
09.2024 - 05.2025
Research & Development Technician
Kellanova (Kellogg's)
09.2023 - 09.2024
Technical Assistant
Iceland Manufacturing Ltd
01.2023 - 09.2023
Raw Materials Technologist
Iceland Manufacturing
10.2022 - 01.2023
Technical Assistant (Placement)
Mash Direct
03.2020 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Food Design & Nutrition
College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
09.2018 - 06.2022
A LEVELS - Food science and nutrition (A), Religious Studies (B), Biology (C)
Strathearn School
09.2016 - 06.2018
GCSE'S - 9 GCSE's grade A-B including Mathematics and English
Strathearn School
09.2014 - 09.2016