About the position
R&D Technologist - Food Manufacturing
An established FMCG food manufacturing company is looking to appoint an R&D Technologist to drive product development, innovation, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a hands-on technologist with strong food manufacturing experience and a passion for innovation, quality, and food safety.
This role works closely with the Head of Sales & Marketing, COO, and Site Manager
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
- Lead new product development projects from concept through to factory implementation
- Reformulate existing products to improve quality, cost efficiency, and nutritional value
- Conduct lab-scale and factory trials to validate formulations and processes
- Drive improvements in sensory quality, product stability, and shelf life
Technical Support & Process Optimisation
- Work closely with production and quality teams to resolve any challenges
- Scale formulations from lab to full production efficiently
- Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations, and SOPs
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency and sustainability
Documentation, Compliance & Food Safety
- Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (FSSC 22000, HACCP, Codex)
- Maintain accurate technical documentation, including trial reports and change control records
- Liaise with suppliers and regulatory bodies for raw material approval
Research & Market Insight
- Conduct ingredient functionality studies and competitor benchmarking
- Monitor market trends and identify innovative ingredients and technologies
- Provide technical input for customer presentations and project briefs
Qualifications & Experience & Key Competencies
- Degree or Diploma in Food Technology / Biotechnology (or related)
- Proven experience in FMCG food manufacturing (essential)
- Knowledge of fats and oils will be a strong advantage
- Solid understanding of food safety legislation, quality systems, and market trends
- Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills
- Creative thinker with a practical, hands-on approach
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Timely delivery of new and reformulated products to market
- Reduction in formulation costs and process non-conformances
Desired Skills:
- Research
- Product Development
- Market Research
- food safety
- FSSC 22000
- HACCP
- Codex
Desired Work Experience:
Desired Qualification Level:
