At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of exciting new food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Zafron Foods, a leader in food innovation with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Structured training, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Embrace a fast-paced environment and build strong relationships across teams.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes the future of food service.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing or development, with a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Development Technologist, you will support the successful development and delivery of new and existing products across our Foodservice & QSR portfolio. You will work closely with internal teams, suppliers and customers to bring concepts to life from kitchen development through to production, and maintain a professional, organised, and customer‑ready development environment at the Zafron Foods site.
Key Responsibilities
- Support New Product Development (NPD) projects from customer brief through to launch.
- Assist with Existing Product Development (EPD) and product optimisation activities.
- Prepare and deliver high‑quality development samples for customers and internal stakeholders.
- Support recipe scale‑up and factory trial processes.
- Assist with raw material testing, ingredient evaluations, and value engineering initiatives.
- Maintain accurate recipe, specification, and development data.
- Support customer visits, presentations and first production runs.
- Attend customer meetings alongside NPD Lead Managers where required.
- Participate in daily tasting panels and ingredient reviews.
- Build strong working relationships across departments and functions.
- Keep up to date with market trends, new ingredients, packaging developments, and innovation opportunities through supplier engagement and industry workshops.
What we’re looking for
- Curious, creative, and solutions‑focused.
- Comfortable working independently in a fast‑paced environment.
- Customer‑oriented with a commercial mindset.
- A strong team player who builds positive relationships.
- Passionate about quality and continuous improvement.
Skills & Experience
- Essential: Experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, or food development, ideally within sauce manufacturing or related categories.
- Essentials: Passion for food innovation and product development; strong organisational skills and attention to detail; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively; proactive and self‑motivated; good computer literacy and data management skills.
- Desirable: Experience working with sauces, dressings, marinades or similar liquid food products; commercial kitchen or culinary experience; advanced Food Hygiene certification.
- Full UK driving licence.
Training & Development
Structured onboarding and hands‑on training across key systems, food safety standards, customer requirements and technical processes, with ongoing opportunities to develop technical expertise, broaden industry knowledge and advance your career within Solina.
EEO Statement
We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competencies, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment.
Development Technologist employer: GB02 Zafron Foods Limited
At Zafron Foods, located in Mitcham, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Development Technologist, you will benefit from structured onboarding, hands-on training, and continuous professional development opportunities, all while working in a dynamic environment that values creativity and quality. Join us to be part of a team that is passionate about food innovation and dedicated to supporting your career growth in the exciting world of foodservice and QSR.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food development industry, especially those who work with sauces or similar products. Attend industry events or workshops to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food innovation! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your ideas about new product concepts or trends you've noticed. This will demonstrate your creativity and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tasting panels! Brush up on your palate and be ready to discuss flavours, textures, and how they can enhance the customer experience. Being able to articulate your thoughts on product development will set you apart from other candidates.
✨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, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Zafron Foods.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Innovation:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and product development shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your creativity and curiosity in the food industry.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:Make sure your application is well-structured and free of errors. We appreciate strong organisational skills, so present your information clearly and concisely to demonstrate your attention to detail.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the Development Technologist role. Show us how you can contribute to our Foodservice & QSR portfolio.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GB02 Zafron Foods Limited
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the products that the company offers, especially within the Foodservice & QSR portfolio. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their product development needs.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Development Technologist, creativity is key. Prepare examples of past projects where you’ve contributed innovative ideas or solutions. Be ready to discuss how you can bring fresh concepts to life and improve existing products.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively across departments. Share specific instances where you built strong relationships with colleagues or customers, as this role requires effective communication and teamwork to succeed in NPD and EPD projects.
✨Stay Updated on Trends
Familiarise yourself with current market trends, new ingredients, and packaging developments in the food industry. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will demonstrate your passion for food innovation and your proactive approach to staying informed.
