Product Technologist - 12 month FTC in Nuneaton

We’re looking for a Product Technologist to join our Innovation Team for a 12 month fixed term contact. This is a full‑time position based on site in our factory in Nuneaton with occasional travel to our London office (expenses covered). With the coming together of our two amazing brands – Eat Real and Proper – to create PROPER SNACKS, we're reinventing snacking as an act of positive well‑being. At the heart of it all is our innovation team: the tastemakers, creators, and guardians of everything we make – from bold flavours to standout packaging.

In our rapidly growing business, we’re looking for a food‑loving, product development enthusiast, who’s looking to kick start their career within Food Innovation!

The Person

You are a proactive, positive individual who is keen to gain hands‑on experience in the food industry and excited to roll up your sleeves! You’re curious to learn, challenge yourself, and apply your knowledge to real‑world business situations. You plan and organise your time well, hit deadlines, and communicate effectively. With the flexibility to work collaboratively and independently, you’ll embrace the PROPER SNACKS culture and values while taking ownership of the challenges you encounter. You’re a real foodie, passionate about experimenting with flavours, exploring new products, and staying on top of the latest food trends.

The Role

This is a hands‑on, dynamic role where you'll be involved in every stage of product development, from concept to launch. You’ll gain broad exposure to innovation, sensory testing, competitor analysis, and scale‑up trials. No two days will be the same—you’ll be on the factory floor for trials, running shelf‑life panels, and back in our development kitchen creating samples. Expect a fast‑paced environment where you’ll develop a deep understanding of product development process. You’ll be based at our Nuneaton Factory with the flexibility to work from home occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Factory Trials & Scale‑Up – Support and lead aspects of scaling products from kitchen to full production, assisting with trials and working closely with suppliers and production teams.
• Sensory, Quality & Shelf‑Life Testing – Lead internal tastings, conduct shelf‑life testing, analyse data, and report key findings.
• Competitor & Market Analysis – Own and maintain the competitor tracking spreadsheet, researching new launches and market trends to keep us ahead of the game.
• Sample Management – Prepare and send samples for internal reviews, sales meetings, and retailer pitches.
• Kitchen & Facility Management – Ensure the Development Kitchen is well‑stocked, organised, and ready for innovation.
• Own Innovation Administration Tasks – Including booking couriers and raising POs.

Requirements

A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Manufacturing or Chemical Engineering or a related field (desirable). 1‑2 years of relevant experience in food product development is preferred, but we welcome applications from entry‑level candidates, including those with internship experience. You’re positive, proactive and relentless. Able to get stuff done with a flexible, can‑do attitude. We need a Team player – working within the Innovation team and collaborating across the PROPER SNACKS sites to achieve project goals. Excellent communication skills are a must, verbal confidence combined with the ability to be concise in writing trial / practical reports. Familiar with the Microsoft Office suite of tools, with particular skills in Excel. Oh yes and a love of snacking – passionate about food and with a discerning palate for product tasting!

EEO Statement

PROPER and Eat Real is an equal opportunities employer and we do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability, or age. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to accommodate you to participate fully in the recruitment or interview process.