At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food projects from concept to launch in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Solina, a forward-thinking company focused on sustainable food solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, career growth, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced sauce manufacturing environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG R&D, strong project management, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Senior Development Technologist in Foodservice & QSR – join Solina's UK R&D team, based primarily at the Zafron sauce manufacturing site in Mitcham, Surrey, with regular visits to Elland (Yorkshire). Hybrid role with on-site collaboration and the option to work from home. Solina designs customised savoury solutions for clients in the food industry, with sustainability at the heart of the business.
The role involves leading development projects from concept to launch, mentoring a Development Technologist, and helping integrate the Zafron portfolio into the wider Solina UK business.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the development and delivery of innovative food solutions aligned with customer and business needs.
- Manage New Product Development and Existing Product Development projects from brief through launch.
- Act as the key R&D contact on site.
- Manage project timelines to ensure delivery to agreed deadlines.
- Support the integration of recipes, systems, and product portfolios into the wider UK business.
- Line management and development support for a Development Technologist.
- Work closely with commercial, process, technical, and operational teams.
- Support customer meetings, factory trials, and first productions.
- Participate in taste panels and ingredient evaluations.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Stay informed on emerging food trends, ingredients, and packaging developments.
- Support product development and innovation within a fast-paced sauce manufacturing environment.
- Essential: Previous food-related FMCG R&D experience within a manufacturing environment; strong project management and organisational skills; excellent communication and stakeholder management; computer literacy.
- Desirable: Experience within Foodservice or QSR; experience in sauce manufacturing or businesses producing sauces, dressings, marinades, or similar liquid products; commercial kitchen experience; previous people management or mentoring experience; full UK driving licence.
Ability to thrive in a customer-focused, commercially driven environment; passion for food trends, innovation, and product development; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities; strong relationship-building across teams.
Benefits & Why Join Solina- Collaborative, people-focused culture within an international, growing business.
- Hybrid working flexibility with opportunities for development and career progression.
- Opportunity to work with passionate food professionals across the UK and Europe.
Application Notes: If you’re looking for a role that combines creativity, technical expertise, leadership, and customer collaboration, Solina invites you to apply. We are open to talents of all backgrounds; our recruitment process is based on competences and our DEI commitment. We welcome all candidates of all types.
Senior Development Technologist employer: GB02 Zafron Foods Limited
Solina is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and people-focused culture, making it an ideal place for a Senior Development Technologist to thrive. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation in the food industry, employees benefit from hybrid working flexibility, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work alongside passionate food professionals across the UK and Europe. Join us at our Mitcham site and be part of a growing international business that values creativity and leadership in product development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry, especially those who work in R&D or have experience in FMCG. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food trends! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your insights on the latest innovations in sauces and dressings. It’ll show them you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to project management and product development. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led projects from concept to launch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our collaborative culture at Solina.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Development Technologist role. Highlight your food-related FMCG R&D experience and any project management successes you've had. We want to see how you can lead innovative food solutions!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food trends and product development. Share specific examples of how you've managed projects from concept to launch, and don’t forget to mention your mentoring experience if you have it!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, let us know how you've built strong relationships in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at GB02 Zafron Foods Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food-related FMCG R&D knowledge, especially in sauce manufacturing. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and innovations in the industry, as well as Solina's specific products and values. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Project Management Prowess
Since the role involves managing multiple projects, be prepared to discuss your project management experience. Have examples ready that showcase your organisational skills and how you've successfully led projects from concept to launch. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Communication is Key
Excellent communication and stakeholder management are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply, especially when discussing collaboration with commercial and technical teams.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for food trends and product development shine through during the interview. Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your passion for the industry. This will resonate well with the interviewers and align with Solina's focus on innovation and customer collaboration.
