Innovation & Development Technologist in Leeds

We are Dr. Oetker. Since our beginnings, we have been breaking new ground. With pizza, cake, and desserts at the core of our business, as well as digital platforms and services – we create the "Taste of Home" for millions around the world with you. Are you ready for a new challenge? Then take your next step.

Your responsibilities:

• We have a fantastic opportunity for an Innovation and Development Technologist – Cake to join our Innovation and Development Team.
• We’re looking for an enthusiastic passionate foodie who can work collaboratively with teams from across the business to develop some exciting and innovative new product ideas.
• From first idea to finished product – You’ll turn bold ideas into finished products, owning the journey from initial concept through kitchen trials, testing and launch across both Retail and Away‑From‑Home markets, bringing great ideas to life.
• At the core of our innovation team – Based in our development kitchen, you’ll get hands‑on every day; creating samples, running sensory panels, benchmarking against competitors and collaborating with marketing, digital, category and international teams to shape products people love.
• Chasing the next big baking idea – You’ll be our eyes and ears on what’s next in baking, scouting trends through exhibitions, social media and supplier visits, translating insight into actionable innovation and helping set the direction for future ranges.

What you bring:

• A strong foodie foundation – You’ll bring a BSc in Food Science (or equivalent qualification or experience), a grasp of basic nutrition, and most importantly a genuine passion and skill for baking and a love of cake.
• Curious, creative and adaptable – You’re someone who enjoys thinking up new ideas, stays flexible when priorities change, and approaches work with a positive, professional and can‑do attitude.
• Proactive and eager to contribute – You’re organised, confident communicating your ideas, comfortable working with data and IT systems, and thrive both as a team player and keen to learn, contribute and take initiative.

You do need to be able to commute to our Leeds Head Office, Leyland Production site and other external locations for face‑to‑face collaboration and to meet business requirements.

What we offer:

• The position offers a competitive salary alongside many other benefits including:
• 27 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) which increases with service
• Hybrid working pattern (minimum of 2 days a week office based)
• Free Life Assurance (x4 times annual salary)
• Salary sacrifice Pension scheme (3% employee contribution, 6% employer contribution)
• Private medical insurance (BUPA)
• Health care Cash Plan Scheme (BUPA)
• Annual healthy heart MOT’s
• Enhanced Family Friendly Leave and company sick pay
• Free tea, coffee and fresh fruit.
• Free on‑site parking (number of electronic charging points available)
• Free Wi‑Fi on site
• Employee referral, loyalty, and suggestion schemes
• Cycle to work scheme and eye test vouchers
• And of course, access to our cake and pizza products.

Dr. Oetker is an equal opportunities employer. We continuously work to shape and live in a corporate culture where everyone feels welcome. At Dr. Oetker, your personality and qualifications are what count. Not gender, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation, and identity.