Lead Factory Operations Technologist

We are FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies! We bake the UK's most incredible biscuits. FBC UK was a match made in heaven, with two of the top UK biscuits manufacturers (Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits) coming together to create one unique, integrated company. We are home to famous iconic brands, including Maryland, Fox's, Jammie Dodger & Rocky, to name just a few. We are proud manufacturing partners to some of the biggest UK retailers and household names. We bake our incredible biscuits at eight bakeries across the UK, located at Isle of Arran, Livingston, Blackpool, Llantarnam, Edinburgh, Kirkham, Batley & Dorset and our HQ in St Albans. Together, we employ circa 4,000 amazing colleagues across all our locations. We are currently the second biscuit manufacturer in the UK market with a strong ambition of becoming UK Market Leader.

About the Role

The Lead Factory Operations Technologist (known internally as Technologist), will be responsible for driving product and process innovation within the bakery. They will contribute to product realisation, working with the R&D and Production teams to understand the feasibility of rolling out new products with the bakery, through to the actualisation of NPD. They will also focus on optimisation of technical production processes and embed best practices across all bakery operations. This role is critical for ensuring successful implementation of new product development, technological excellence, improving production efficiency, and embedding innovative practices within the bakery.

Main Responsibilities

• New Product Development - Collaboration with the NPD team to assess feasibility of implementing new products within the bakery, taking into account process requirements, machinery and equipment capabilities, and packaging suitability.
• Execute tests on new recipes and collaborate with R&D to refine and approve them.
• Ensure new recipes are correctly integrated into production systems and align dosing to the production process.
• Provide qualified advice before test approvals.

• Product and Process Optimisation - Monitor and analyse parameters that impact product and material performance across different production lines, including temperature, humidity, and allergen cross-contamination.
• Define working and control guidelines for each production phase and step, including methods for monitoring variables and cycle parameters.
• Provide technological advice to optimise processes and identify corrective actions for the production cycle.

• New Machinery/Equipment and Processes - Manage projects involving new bakery lines/equipment, including implementation and startup.
• Collaborate with process and engineering teams to map and embed new technological processes.
• Provide expertise during technological tests on new machinery and assist with defining new methods and processes.

• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing - Act as the central point of contact for technological projects, including new initiatives and process improvements.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing through scheduled meetings to develop and implement better solutions for all production lines.
• Work closely with R&D, maintenance, and process teams to ensure alignment between materials, machinery, and packaging requirements.

• Project Management - Manage the implementation of new technological projects in collaboration with R&D and other departments.
• Coordinate improvements to align plans and equipment functionalities with raw materials, semi-finished goods, and packaging needs.

• Guideline Development and Monitoring - Develop and document methods for process data collection and monitoring.
• Define rules and procedures for process control at each production stage.
• Support the line team with updates on environmental parameters and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

• Quality - Ensure all operational processes align with established quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with Quality and technical teams to address and resolve quality, implementing corrective and preventative actions.

Who we are looking for

• A background in food manufacturing, ideally with experience in a technologist role within the food industry, preferably in bakery.
• An HND or degree in Food Science, Food Manufacturing, or a related discipline/experience.
• Knowledge of food chemistry and the ability to apply this understanding to products and processes.
• A proven track record in food manufacturing, including experience with customer trials and managing critical paths.
• Operational experience in one or more areas, such as Process, Technical, Development, or Operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence across departments, working collaboratively to achieve goals.
• A problem-solving mindset, drawing on experience to use a variety of approaches, including root cause analysis and innovative thinking.
• A proactive and self-challenging attitude, combined with the ability to constructively challenge others.
• Effective project management skills, working with stakeholders and suppliers to deliver trials on time and within plan, while making appropriate interventions when needed.
• People management skills, including the ability to deliver results through others, as well as coaching and developing team members.

Diversity Statement

FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at FBC UK. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.