Product Development Technologist (Grocery)
Product Development Technologist (Grocery)

Product Development Technologist (Grocery)

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Food Team to develop innovative grocery products and convert recipes into scalable items.
  • Company: Wasabi is a leading Asian food brand with 40 restaurants in the UK and exciting grocery launches.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free food, discounts, hybrid working, and a supportive environment with growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving food innovation and quality in a fast-paced industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in food technology and a relevant degree are essential; creativity and passion for food are key.
  • Other info: Work in a vibrant kitchen environment and contribute to Wasabi's ambitious growth strategy.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Founded in 2003, Wasabi's vision is to lovingly create and serve delicious Asian food for a busy nation. Wasabi now has 40 thriving restaurants across London and major UK cities and 4 in New York. In 2019, we introduced Wasabi Home Bento, launched exclusively in Sainsbury's. Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach to Tesco in September 2022, followed by exciting launches in Co-op and Morrisons in 2024. Today, Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready-meal brand, setting new standards for quality and innovation. Wasabi's menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite. We have an ambitious 5-year growth strategy, focusing on new restaurants, franchise partnerships, and international expansion.

As we prepare for our next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for a Product Development Technologist to join our Food Team based in Park Royal.

The Role: Play a key role in technical food development, driving launch-ready projects and converting kitchen recipes into scalable, operational products.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):

  • Lead the hands-on development of new and existing food products, ensuring alignment with briefs and technical standards.
  • Collaborate with chefs, procurement, and technical teams to create and refine commercially viable recipes suitable for production.
  • Adapt recipes to CPU and factory capabilities, solving challenges to deliver optimal results.
  • Accurately document recipes, preparation methods, yields, nutritional information, and costing according to company standards.
  • Write cooking and reheating instructions and complete product attribute documentation for gate approvals.
  • Conduct organoleptic and shelf-life testing during development to validate product performance and feasibility.
  • Manage new product development (NPD) and existing product development (EPD) from concept through to launch, including critical path ownership.
  • Present products at key stages of development and lead handovers to process and production teams.
  • Source and validate new raw materials with procurement, ensuring suitability for culinary and operational requirements.
  • Attend CPU upscale trials and support process development to maintain quality and consistency at scale.
  • Drive food quality improvement initiatives, including resolving quality issues and customer complaints.
  • Facilitate and participate in taste panels, benchmarking sessions, and regular product quality reviews.
  • Prepare and provide samples for presentations, photography, and marketing, including food styling support.
  • Maintain a clean and organised development kitchen, managing stock and ordering raw materials as needed.

Our Requirements:

  • Previous experience working as a Process or Food Technologist within the food manufacturing industry.
  • Qualified degree in a food related discipline (food science, technology, home economics).
  • Demonstrates an above standard knowledge of food, ingredients, and culinary practices.
  • Highly creative and passionate about food with knowledge of South Asian, Japanese and Korean food trends and good industry awareness.
  • Certificate in Food Hygiene.
  • A proactive personality, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
  • A methodical approach, be organised with good prioritisation skills, the ability to work to short deadlines and attention to detail.
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills.
  • Can work on multiple projects simultaneously with ease and thrive in a busy fast-paced environment.

In return we provide:

  • A great working environment.
  • Pension scheme.
  • Target Bonus.
  • Refer A Friend Scheme.
  • Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available).
  • 50% discount in our Branches.
  • Employee Assistant Programme.
  • Hybrid working model.
  • Long Service Awards.
  • Wagestream - a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings.
  • Life Assurance.
  • Cycle To Work.
  • Free on-site parking.
  • A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox.
  • The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.

Our people make us who we are. If you're looking for an exciting challenge and this sounds like the job for you please apply today as we can't wait to hear from you.

COME ROLL WITH US!

Product Development Technologist (Grocery) employer: Wasabi Sushi & Bento

Wasabi is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and innovative work culture, particularly for the Product Development Technologist role based in Park Royal. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer a range of benefits including a hybrid working model, generous discounts, and opportunities to develop skills within a rapidly expanding company. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating delicious Asian food while enjoying a supportive environment that values creativity and collaboration.
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Contact Detail:

Wasabi Sushi & Bento Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Product Development Technologist (Grocery)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Wasabi's product range and their unique culinary style. Understanding their approach to Asian cuisine will help you align your ideas and suggestions during interviews, showcasing your passion for their brand.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the food technology sector, especially those who have experience in ready-meal development. Engaging with industry experts can provide insights into current trends and challenges, which you can discuss in your conversations with Wasabi.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully developed food products in the past. Highlighting your hands-on experience with recipe adaptation and quality improvement initiatives will demonstrate your capability to thrive in Wasabi's fast-paced environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on food safety regulations and trends in food hygiene, as these are crucial in the food manufacturing industry. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only impress during interviews but also show your commitment to maintaining high standards at Wasabi.

We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Technologist (Grocery)

Food Science Knowledge
Culinary Skills
Recipe Development
Project Management
Attention to Detail
Organoleptic Testing
Shelf-Life Testing
Documentation Skills
Collaboration Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Food Hygiene Certification
Creativity in Food Development
Knowledge of South Asian, Japanese, and Korean Cuisine
Time Management
Quality Assurance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Product Development Technologist position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in food technology and product development.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles you've had as a Process or Food Technologist. Include specific examples of projects you've worked on that align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Showcase Your Passion for Food: Wasabi values creativity and passion for food. Use your application to express your enthusiasm for Asian cuisine and any knowledge you have of food trends, particularly in South Asian, Japanese, and Korean cuisines.

Proofread Your Application: Ensure your application is free from spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role. Consider asking a friend to review it before submission.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wasabi Sushi & Bento

✨Know Your Food Trends

Familiarise yourself with current trends in South Asian, Japanese, and Korean cuisine. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show your passion for food and your understanding of the market.

✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge

Be prepared to talk about your previous experience as a Process or Food Technologist. Highlight specific projects where you converted recipes into scalable products and how you ensured quality and consistency.

✨Showcase Your Creativity

Think of innovative ideas for new products that align with Wasabi's brand. Presenting unique concepts can set you apart and demonstrate your ability to contribute to their ambitious growth strategy.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect questions related to recipe documentation, shelf-life testing, and quality improvement initiatives. Be ready to provide examples from your past experiences that showcase your methodical approach and attention to detail.

Product Development Technologist (Grocery)
Wasabi Sushi & Bento
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