At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of innovative beverage formulations from concept to launch.
- Company: Join AG Barr, a beloved brand with a rich history and commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible holidays, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your voice and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in product innovation while working with exciting flavours.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science and 5 years in R&D with strong sensory evaluation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
- Description
- Contract and working pattern: 37.5 hours per week
Are you ready to Be Your Best Barr None?
Lets Grow!!!
We are all about Being Your Best Barr None and having a career with real Moments that Matter!
Employing around 850 people across the UK, we are proud to be a responsible business that takes care of our people, values diversity, gives something back to our communities and works to minimise our environmental impact.
For 150 years AG Barr has been building great brands and is home to some of the nations favourite flavours.
At our core is
IRN-BRU, launched in 1901 and still going strong today, the vibrant RUBICON fruit based brand, Boost making every moment better with a caffeine kick, hydration hit or tasty treat, and FUNKIN where real fruit means authentic taste.
We also have a number of exciting owned brands within our portfolio including MOMA, which crafts quality oats into great tasting oat drinks and porridges.
There's never been a better time to join us!
What we’re looking for…
Within R&D at AG Barr we believe that the quality, taste and pack presentation of our products is right at the heart of the success of the business.
We pride ourselves in delivering a superior product experience through our rigorous consumer research programme and ensuring the authenticity of our flavours
This role is to design, develop & validate great tasting products in line with consumer expectations whilst leading the formulation aspects of projects, supporting from concept to launch.
As our Senior Beverage Technologist, you will be responsible for
- Leading the formulation aspects of projects from concept through to launch.
- Creating & developing great tasting liquid formulations.
- Use of strong product development & sensory knowledge to validate prototypes.
- Value engineering existing recipes without impacting on product quality.
- Benchmarking of competitor products.
- Researching & sharing knowledge on new ingredients
- Working with the innovation team and attending innovation workshops to develop new drink ideas.
- Managing the introduction of new raw materials into the business using our raw material and recipe management system.
- Working closely with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure the successful scale up from lab trials into production.
- Ensuring product quality is consistent throughout shelf life.
- Generating accurate nutritional and recipe specifications using our raw material and recipe management system.
- Providing technical support on consumer & trade enquiries.
- What you’ll bring…
- Educated to degree level, ideally in a Food Science or equivalent discipline.
- 5 years of experience in a formulation R&D environment or equivalent with a strong knowledge of sensory evaluation tools & techniques.
- Excellent sensory skills with the ability to detect subtle differences in flavour, aroma, and appearance to ensure product matching.
- Strong understanding of food/beverage quality systems, specification management (ideally Hamilton Grant or similar), and raw material documentation requirements (e. g COAs).
- Highly effective communication skills, comfortable coordinating complex projects and following up with external suppliers and internal cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong self-motivation and proactive problem-solving skills.
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work, with the ability to manage changing priorities and demands.
- Available to travel to manufacturing sites and to visit suppliers.
You will also demonstrate our AG Barr behaviours of Being Honest, Accountable, Connected and Brave.
What we offer…
We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive culture where your voice can be heard.
Our skilled, loyal and committed people are critical to the future success of AG Barr which is why we are continually investing in our employees to develop their talent.
We look after our employees by offering a competitive salary and benefits package which includes;
- Uncapped bonus linked to business performance
- Defined contribution Pension
- Up to 34 days holiday (depending on shift pattern)
- Flexible holiday trading
- Flexible cash pot to spend on benefits
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Flexible benefits e. g. discounts & cashbacks, gym memberships, technology purchases etc
- Life assurance
- Save as you earn scheme
- Staff sales discount
- Free AG Barr products throughout your working day and staff sales
- Annual salary review
- Ongoing professional development and access to Learning and Development programmes and content
And much more!
To find out more about what it is like to work for AG Barr, please visit our careers platform here.
We are an equal opportunities employer and happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be needed for successful candidates with a disability, health or mental health condition.
While we have highlighted our ideal requirements for this role, we are realistic that the successful candidate probably won't meet every single requirement in this advert, but we are big advocates of people growing in role.
So even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to submit an application - you may be just what we are looking for!
Apply now!
Speculative CVs from agencies will not be accepted.
Latest closing date for applications is 5th August
Please note, we may close vacancies early where we receive significant numbers of applications, so apply now!
Senior Product Technologist (Innovation) employer: AG Barr
As a Remote On Trade - Regional Business Development Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our company offers competitive benefits and the flexibility of field-based work, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while making a meaningful impact in the North East and York region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Technologist (Innovation)
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like AG Barr.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from AG Barr!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like AG Barr, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at AG Barr, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Technologist (Innovation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at AG Barr, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at AG Barr.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to AG Barr. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at AG Barr. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at AG Barr
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to AG Barr’s mission.