At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product innovation and optimise bakery processes for delicious biscuits.
- Company: Join FBC UK, the home of iconic biscuit brands like Maryland and Jammie Dodger.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work culture, learning opportunities, and a chance to make an impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team driving innovation in a fun, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates have a background in food manufacturing and strong problem-solving skills.
- Other info: This role is perfect for those who love biscuits and want to shape the future of baking.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Lead Factory Operations Technologist role at Fox's Burton's Companies (FBC) UK.
Date: 23 Mar 2025
Location: Batley, GB
Place of Work: On-Site
Employee Shift: Mon - Fri
Company Description
We are FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies! We bake the UK's most incredible biscuits. FBC UK was formed by two of the top UK biscuit manufacturers, Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits. We are home to famous iconic brands, including Maryland, Fox's, Jammie Dodger & Rocky. We are proud manufacturing partners to some of the biggest UK retailers and household names. We bake our incredible biscuits at eight bakeries across the UK. Together, we employ circa 4,000 amazing colleagues across all our locations. We are currently the second biscuit manufacturer in the UK market with a strong ambition of becoming UK Market Leader.
About The Role
As a member of the Site Leadership Team, the Lead Factory Operations Technologist will be responsible for driving product and process innovation within the bakery. They will contribute to product realisation, working with the R&D and Production teams to understand the feasibility of rolling out new products with the bakery, through to the actualisation of NPD. This role is critical for ensuring successful implementation of new product development, technological excellence, improving production efficiency, and embedding innovative practices within the bakery.
Main Responsibilities
- New Product Development: Collaboration with the NPD team to assess feasibility of implementing new products within the bakery, execute tests on new recipes, and ensure new recipes are correctly integrated into production systems.
- Product and Process Optimisation: Monitor and analyse parameters that impact product and material performance, define working and control guidelines, and provide technological advice to optimise processes.
- New Machinery/Equipment and Processes: Manage projects involving new bakery lines/equipment, collaborate with process and engineering teams, and provide expertise during technological tests.
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Act as the central point of contact for technological projects, facilitate knowledge sharing, and work closely with R&D, maintenance, and process teams.
- Project Management: Manage the implementation of new technological projects in collaboration with R&D and other departments.
- Guideline Development and Monitoring: Develop and document methods for process data collection and monitoring, support the line team with updates on environmental parameters.
- Quality: Ensure all operational processes align with established quality standards and collaborate closely with Quality and technical teams.
What are the key ingredients needed for the role?
- A background in food manufacturing, ideally with experience in a technologist role within the food industry, preferably in bakery.
- An HND or degree in Food Science, Food Manufacturing, or a related discipline/experience.
- Knowledge of food chemistry and the ability to apply this understanding to products and processes.
- A proven track record in food manufacturing, including experience with customer trials and managing critical paths.
- Operational experience in one or more areas, such as Process, Technical, Development, or Operations.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence across departments.
- A problem-solving mindset, drawing on experience to use a variety of approaches.
- A proactive and self-challenging attitude.
- Effective project management skills.
- People management skills, including the ability to deliver results through others.
Diversity Statement
FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way.
Lead Factory Operations Technologist employer: FBC
Contact Detail:
FBC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Factory Operations Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food manufacturing, especially in bakery processes. Understanding current innovations and technologies can help you stand out during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, particularly those who have experience in technologist roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've optimised production processes or contributed to new product development in your previous roles. Real-life scenarios will demonstrate your expertise effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of potential challenges that FBC UK might face in their operations. Be ready to suggest innovative solutions during your interview to highlight your proactive mindset.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Factory Operations Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food manufacturing and any technologist roles you've held. Emphasise your background in bakery processes and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the food industry and your understanding of FBC UK's values. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to new product development, process optimisation, and project management. Use examples from your past work to illustrate how you've successfully implemented innovative practices in a manufacturing setting.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: Since the role requires strong interpersonal skills, include examples of how you've built relationships and influenced teams in previous positions. This could be through collaborative projects or leading initiatives that required cross-departmental cooperation.
How to prepare for a job interview at FBC
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Lead Factory Operations Technologist, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of food chemistry and manufacturing processes. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you applied this knowledge to solve problems or improve processes.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams, including R&D and production. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, focusing on your ability to influence and build relationships across departments.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you approach problem-solving. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in food manufacturing and the innovative solutions you implemented, showcasing your proactive mindset.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Since project management is a key aspect of this role, be ready to talk about your experience managing technological projects. Highlight your ability to coordinate with stakeholders and deliver results on time, while also discussing any challenges you overcame during these projects.