Food Technologist

Company Description

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

Position

DIVISION/DEPT: Technical – Impulse Snacking

REPORT TO: Senior Technical Manager

LOCATION: Hybrid Christchurch Dorset (Minimum 1 day a week in the office)

TRAVEL: Regular European and UK overnight travel (often at short notice)

Join our team as a Food Technologist and contribute to support the development, safety, quality, and legality of food products across the Impulse Snacking category. This role will focus on innovation, product formulation, supplier technical compliance, and continuous improvement of existing lines to meet Solent’s high standards and customer expectations.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Assist in NPD process of new food products from concept to launch, ensuring safety, legal compliance, and manufacturability.
• Prepare and maintain product specifications and respond to 3 party specifications checks with accurate and timely updates.
• Assist in approval of product artwork and label declarations in line with EU/UK regulations.
• Handle daily technical queries from internal teams, customers, and suppliers including export queries, NPD support, and ad hoc technical data requests.
• Coordinate product sampling, shelf-life testing, and sensory evaluations.
• Coordinate monthly product surveillance testing and quality panels.
• Conduct supplier audits and risk assessments to verify food safety systems and product standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation for product development projects and regulatory approvals.
• Provide technical input during trials, launches, and post-launch reviews.
• Keep up to date with food legislation, retail customer standards, and industry trends.
• Troubleshoot product or process issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Product team and suppliers to prepare and finalize Quality Contracts and QAS documentation for trials and production.
• Support the close-out of supplier audits via online customer portals.
• Maintain and update documentation required for retailer portals (e.g. M&S), including Allergen Risk Assessments, HACCP, site complaints procedures, and supply chain maps.
• Collect and file quarterly supplier testing data to support customer audit readiness.
• Submit Packaging Waste Data reports (H1 and H2) and complete RAM assessments biannually.
• Maintain the master packaging data spreadsheet to reflect all launches and changes.
• Complete annual retailer reports including Soy, Cocoa, Timber, and Valpak submissions.
• Ensure retailer documentation (e.g., M&S A-list specs, SMP forms) is up to date and audit-ready.
• Prepare and update annual schedules for Mock Recalls, Quality Panels, and Surveillance Testing.

About You

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a technical/quality/NPD role within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of food legislation, HACCP, food labelling, and allergen management.
• Experience working with co-manufacturers or external suppliers preferred.
• Exposure to UK retailer specifications (e.g., Tesco, M&S, Waitrose, Asda, Aldi) desirable.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality systems, and legislation.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence and work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving mindset.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Please note: This role involves regular tasting/handling of food products, including dairy, nuts and other allergens. Please consider this when applying if you have severe food allergies.

Other information

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
• 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
• Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
• Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
• Great learning and development and progression opportunities
• Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Generous Company Sick Pay
• Pension Scheme Contribution
• Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Dress down Fridays
• Free parking on Christchurch Quay

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