Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support R&D projects by coordinating kitchen activities and managing sample logistics.
- Company: Join KP Snacks, a global leader in creating your favourite snacks with a close-knit team.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive healthcare, a pension plan, 25 days holiday, and exclusive online perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values your ideas and fosters personal growth.
- Qualifications: Passion for food science or STEM, strong communication skills, and relevant experience preferred.
- Other info: Diversity is key; we welcome unique perspectives and encourage all to apply.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Billingham / Tanfield (flexibility required between both sites) On-site
Join our snack-loving team! We are looking for a Development Technician to join our team at KP Snacks. Fancy being part of a group where your ideas matter and your growth is celebrated? Keep reading – this might just be your next adventure!
Our R&D team is the creative engine behind KP Snacks, innovating to bring delicious, exciting, and high-quality snacks to our consumers. From developing new flavours and formats to improving existing recipes, this team uses consumer insights, market trends, and technical expertise to ensure our products continually surprise and delight snack lovers everywhere. Through innovation, collaboration, and a passion for great taste, the R&D team plays a crucial role in shaping the future of snacking.
The Development Technician supports projects led by the Development Technologist or Manager by coordinating all development kitchen activities. This includes working with suppliers and internal departments to ensure customer requirements are met and that products are ready for successful factory production.
What’s in it for you? We believe in giving back and making sure you are happy and thriving. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
- Comprehensive Healthcare Support – Access to a Medicash Health Cash Plan, including a Digital GP service, Best Doctors (Second Medical Opinion Service), and specialist Cancer Care for peace of mind when you need it most.
- KP Pension Plan - contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
- 25 days holiday + holiday buy scheme
- KP4ME - online benefits, discounts, prizes, competitions and information platform with access to mental, physical and financial wellbeing information and tools
What will you be doing?
- Coordinate and support bench and factory trials, ensuring seamless execution from planning through to first production runs.
- Tackle the exciting challenge of managing sample logistics, from kitchen prep to timely delivery, keeping everything traceable and presentation-ready.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams – including Operations, Sales, Marketing, and R&D – to align projects and maintain clear communication.
- Drive real impact by ensuring trial activities run smoothly, supporting the launch of high-quality products that meet commercial and technical standards.
- Gain valuable hands-on experience with systems like JDE and Optiva, while deepening your knowledge of manufacturing processes and product development.
Who are we? Glad you asked! We are KP Snacks, proud to be part of the Intersnack family. Picture this: over 15,000 of us, spread across more than 30 countries, all working together to create the snacks you love. From Hula Hoops to McCoy's, we are the team behind your favourite munchies. Here in the UK, we are about 2,400 strong, spread across seven factories and our Slough HQ. But don’t let our size fool you – we are as close-knit as they come. We believe in speaking our minds, celebrating our differences, and pushing boundaries together.
Diversity isn’t just a buzzword for us. We are on a mission to create a workplace where everyone belongs. So, even if you don’t tick every box, we want to hear from you! Your unique perspective could be just what we need. Also, if there’s anything we can do to make this process easier for you, just give us a shout.
We’d love to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:
- Bring your passion for food science, technology, or STEM – your academic background will help you thrive in this dynamic environment.
- Use your strong communication, organisational, and IT skills to contribute meaningfully to team projects and cross-functional collaboration.
- If you’ve had hands-on experience in R&D labs, FMCG, or food production environments, your transferable skills will be highly valued.
- Experience with seasonings, ambient products, or pilot trials is a bonus – but don’t worry if you haven’t ticked every box; we still encourage you to apply.
- If you’re proactive, adaptable, and committed to working collaboratively while championing food safety, continuous improvement, and positive relationships – you’ll fit right in with KP’s values and behaviours.
Development Technician employer: KP Snacks
Contact Detail:
KP Snacks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with KP Snacks' product range and recent innovations. Understanding their current offerings and any new flavours or formats they’ve launched will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food science and R&D sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who might provide insights into the role and the company culture at KP Snacks.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience in R&D labs or food production environments by preparing specific examples of projects you've worked on. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and how it aligns with the responsibilities of a Development Technician.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your communication and organisational skills in discussions. Since the role involves cross-functional collaboration, being able to articulate how you’ve successfully worked with diverse teams will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food science, technology, or R&D. Emphasise any hands-on experience you have in labs or food production environments, as well as your organisational and communication skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food innovation and your understanding of the role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to support development kitchen activities and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your IT skills and any experience with systems like JDE and Optiva. If you have knowledge of seasonings or pilot trials, make sure to include that as well, even if it’s not extensive.
Show Enthusiasm for KP Snacks: Convey your excitement about joining KP Snacks and contributing to their mission of creating high-quality snacks. Mention how you align with their values of collaboration, diversity, and continuous improvement in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at KP Snacks
✨Show Your Passion for Food Science
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food science and technology during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your passion, as this will resonate well with KP Snacks' focus on innovation and quality.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past projects. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to collaborate and maintain clear communication.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have hands-on experience in R&D labs or food production environments, make sure to bring it up. Discuss any specific projects or trials you've been involved in, especially those related to seasonings or ambient products, as these will be particularly relevant.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Proactivity
KP Snacks values adaptability and a proactive approach. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles, showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement and teamwork.
