Innovation & Development Technologist in Leyland

Since our beginnings at Dr. Oetker, we have been breaking new ground. With pizza, cake, and desserts, as well as digital platforms and services – quality and an innovative spirit set us apart.

What awaits you? It’s up to you! At Dr. Oetker, you can actively shape the future – both yours and ours. We want to be part of something bigger.

Do you love pizza, and would you like to be part of the team that makes the UK’s favourite frozen branded pizza? Do you thrive on getting things done and making real change? Then carry on reading!

At Dr. Oetker UK we are continuously investing to maintain our state‑of‑the‑art production facility. All our teams contribute to the success of our business, and we are as proud of our hard‑working friendly culture as we are of the fantastic market‑leading pizzas we make. Being a family‑owned business we "Create a taste of home" through our quality products and our culture.

We’re looking for an Innovation & Development Technologist to join our Innovation & Development pizza team. Are you a bakery development specialist who has a passion for developing new products, wish to thrive in a Fast‑Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) environment and enjoy working cross‑functionally with other departments such as Sales, Marketing and Production – this is the time to take your craft to the next level.

The Leyland Facility is where the hello ones pizzas started over 30 years ago. We are looking for a dedicated individual to join our state‑of‑the‑art production facility and play a key role working alongside our teams who are proudly making the Dr. Oetker and Chicago Town branded pizzas.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop new product Dessert concepts and existing product improvements following all aspects of the product development process from concept brief to full production specialising in pizza crust development.
• Agree quality standards for all new/relaunched products with marketing and operational and quality ensuring they are clearly communicated to production and quality teams prior to 1st production.
• Proactively identify innovative product concepts via market trend information, food exhibitions, food safaris, ideation sessions or external suppliers.
• Be constantly aware of competitor activity and trends within the market and to share outputs with the wider business of any pizza benchmarking or trend information.
• Work with the Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Quality teams to identify and implement bakery process and product improvements to benefit product correspondent and or efficiency in line with brand guidelines.
• Proactively identify options to improve the nutritional profile of products within the frozen portfolio and to constantly implement options without impacting on the taste credentials of the product.
• As a key member of the Innovation & Development Team, you will be responsible for ensuring all documentation and any administrative aspects related to new product development are kept updated, as well as providing accurate new product specification information in a timely manner to ensure that new products are accurately set up in SAP and PDM.

Who we are looking for?

At Dr. Oetker we believe that our employees play a key role in our success. To help shape our future you must have a thorough understanding of bakery ingredients and be skilled in formulating fermented product. You should have 2+ years' experience in the baking industry and a relevant food science or technical qualification (e.g. NVQ, diploma, or degree).

You must be a confident communicator with a personable and professional manner. You will need to have the ability to interact and relate to all levels of colleagues and to build strong trusted working relationships within all departments. The ability to work within a rapidly changing environment is key, being able to maintain working to high standards whilst meeting short‑term time‑pressured goals alongside long‑term strategic objectives, demonstrating practical problem solving and the ability to balance multiple projects.

Whilst this is predominantly a days based role, work outside core hours will sometimes be required due to the operating hours of the factory operations. You do need to be able to commute to our Leeds Head Office, as well as travel customer head office locations and potentially internationally.

What We Offer

• The position offers a competitive salary alongside many other benefits including:
• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) which increases with service.
• Hybrid working pattern (minimum of 2 days a week office based).
• Free Life Assurance at 4 times basic annual salary.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay.
• 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.
• Free pizzas.
• Subsidised on site restaurant with hot and cold meals, a salad/deli bar, snack machines and microwaves and storage facilities for those who prefer to bring their own.
• Free tea, coffee and fresh fruit.
• Free on site parking (number of electronic charging points available).
• Free Wi‑Fi on site.
• Employee Referral Scheme £350 - once you know how great it is to work here, you'll want to bring your friends and family!
• Regular Employee Forums ensuring all employees have a voice.
• Incentivised employee suggestion scheme and recognition schemes.
• Employee loyalty scheme recognising length of service milestones at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 years and beyond!
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Free health checks.
• Free eye test vouchers.

We look forward to your online application. Just click the "Apply now" button, and you’re good to go. Still have questions? Then please feel free to reach out to us directly.

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.