At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovative product development from concept to launch in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Finsbury Food Group, a leader in specialty bakery products.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced leave, pension schemes, retail discounts, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours and excellent career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of creating iconic treats that bring joy and nostalgia to people.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field preferred; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Lees of Scotland
Shift: Monday to Friday 8.00am-4.30pm
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Development team in the role of Development Technologist at our Lees site as part of Finsbury Food Group. Lees stands out for its ability to create confections that are more than just sweets – they’re edible nostalgia. Our iconic snowballs, teacakes, and meringues have woven themselves into the fabric of more than just Scottish culture, becoming go-to treats for both everyday indulgence and celebratory moments.
As a Development Technologist, you will be responsible for developing, trialling and validating new and existing products in line with agreed customer briefs, commercial targets and factory capability. The role plays a key part in accurate costings, robust documentation, effective risk management and smooth translation from concept through to factory launch, while supporting innovation, food safety, quality and continuous improvement standards.
This is what you’ll actually do!
- Drive innovative product development from concept to launch, ensuring compliance with legal, brand and customer standards.
- Create and manage cost-effective recipes aligned to margin and nutritional targets, producing accurate trial documentation and handover packs.
- Be responsible for QAS and arranging customer samples.
- Plan and coordinate factory trials, capturing key data, managing risks and delivering clear, evidence-based recommendations.
- Work closely with Technical and cross-functional teams to support product validation including shelf-life, microbiological and physical testing.
- Benchmark products against the market, identify opportunities for improvement and contribute to continuous innovation and process excellence.
Flexibility in working hours is required to support factory trials and launch activities.
Ideally this is you!
- Degree preferred in Food Science / Technology / Process Engineering or similar degree / HND equivalent or relevant experience.
- Strong understanding of product development processes from concept to launch.
- Knowledge of factory processes and manufacturability considerations.
- Experience generating recipes, costings and managing BoMs.
- Ability to manage multiple projects to critical path deadlines.
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret trial and validation data.
- Knowledge of food safety, microbiology and shelf-life validation.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of margin targets.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Passion for food innovation and emerging market trends.
- Detail-oriented, organised and solutions-focused.
- Valid UK driving license preferred.
What’s in it for you!
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
- Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees.
- Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families).
- Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
- Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependent).
- Employee Recognition Awards.
- Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in-house development course!).
- An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation.
Our vision is to be the leading specialty bakery group in the UK, and we want the best people in place to achieve this. Our continued success is built entirely on the talented people who work here, so employee development is important to us because everyone is a valued member of the team, and we want every individual to have the skills and capabilities to achieve both your own personal goals and our business goals. We want good people to join our company, to help our company continue to go from strength to strength. If this sounds like you, please get in contact to learn more!
Development - Development Technologist in Coatbridge employer: Finsbury Food
Finsbury Food Group, located in Lees of Scotland, is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a strong focus on innovation in food technology, the company offers extensive learning opportunities, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and a supportive work culture that values each team member's contributions. Join us to be part of a growing organisation where your passion for food innovation can thrive, and enjoy unique benefits like retail discounts and a robust pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development - Development Technologist in Coatbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Development Technologist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to product development and food safety. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence and nail that first impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for food innovation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas and insights about emerging trends in the food industry. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Development - Development Technologist in Coatbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Development Technologist role. Highlight any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your understanding of product development processes and food safety.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about food innovation and how your background aligns with our mission at Lees. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
Showcase Your Passion for Food:Let your enthusiasm for food and product development shine through in your application. Mention any trends or innovations in the food industry that excite you, and how you see yourself contributing to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finsbury Food
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the products that the company offers, especially their iconic confections. Understanding the history and significance of items like snowballs and teacakes will show your passion for food innovation and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with product development processes, recipe generation, and cost management. Bring examples of past projects where you successfully managed multiple tasks and met critical deadlines, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of a Development Technologist.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and how you manage risks during product trials. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences where you had to make evidence-based recommendations or adapt to challenges, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, express your enthusiasm for working with cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you’ve effectively communicated and collaborated with others in previous roles, highlighting your strong stakeholder management skills.
