At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch, ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join Gousto, a fast-growing recipe box company on a mission to change dinner time.
- Benefits: Flexible working, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in product development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Here at Gousto, we are on a mission to become the UK's most loved way to eat dinner, and for every meal to leave the planet better off. Gousto is changing how people shop, cook and eat food at home. It’s an incredibly exciting time to join our team - and we’re a friendly bunch! We’re proud to be one of the fastest‑growing companies in the UK. Powered by data and a love of food, we’re a recipe box company that’s disrupting the sector, and we’re passionate about our diverse team and our customers. All of our people are responsible for the success of Gousto, and we’re passionate about creating an inclusive environment for all to thrive. Our guiding values – Dream, Deliver and Care – show our commitment to innovation, our ambition to hit goals at speed, and our deep respect for the people we work with.
ROLE: Category Food Technologist
LOCATION: Any Gousto Site (Claylake, London or Warrington)
CONTRACT: 12‑Month Fixed Term Contract
We are looking for someone to join us asap; therefore, we are unable to consider candidates on 2 or 3 months notice.
Team Intro And Role Overview
We’re looking for a Category Food Technologist to join our Food team on a fixed‑term basis. Reporting to a Senior Manager and working closely with the Buying and Recipe Development teams, you’ll lead the development of new and existing products and raw materials from concept through to launch. This role is a great opportunity for someone with technical expertise and a passion for quality, safety and compliance to make a real impact across our supply chain. You’ll play a key role in ensuring Gousto delivers products that meet our high standards, working with a range of internal and external partners to guarantee quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead the development of new and existing products and raw materials from concept to launch from a technical perspective, working closely with Buying and Recipe Development
- Ensure all products and raw materials have agreed specifications, including quality attributes and food safety parameters
- Conduct food safety and integrity risk assessments for raw materials
- Partner with Site Technical and Operations to ensure successful launches across Gousto Fulfilment Centres
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers
- Manage stage gate and critical path processes to meet agreed timelines
- Support product benchmarking and raw material quality improvement initiatives
- Develop and implement best practice processes and procedures
- Coordinate transit trials and shelf life testing
- Drive supplier improvement plans, technical visits, and reduce OTIF complaints
- Sign off artwork and labelling for legal compliance
- Contribute to the achievement of key departmental KPIs
Who You Are
- Experienced in product development or as a category technologist in food manufacturing
- Excellent understanding of food safety and raw material quality standards
- Skilled in project management with strong organisational ability
- Effective communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate cross‑functionally
- Competent in using Google applications and other standard tools
- Confident decision maker with strong problem‑solving skills
- Positive, hands‑on, and solutions‑focused mindset
- Flexible to travel between Gousto sites and suppliers as needed
Qualifications
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or Microbiology, or equivalent experience
- HACCP Level 3
- Food Safety Level 3
Additional Information
Whether it’s creating diversity in our recipes or building new teams, we care about our people and the opportunities they have at Gousto. Across our business we lead with inclusivity and strive for equity in all we do; working hard to ensure Gousto is an environment where you can be totally yourself. Everyone is welcome and we’re looking for applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but wondering if you tick every box? We recommend applying anyway so that we can review your profile. And, if you’re in a job share, why not just apply as a pair? For our roles outside of Operations, most of our people spend 1 or 2 days in our offices every week, combining the benefits of flexibility and time together with colleagues. We want to enable you to do your best work, and if you require additional flexibility, please talk to us about it. We understand that some individuals may require reasonable adjustments to fully participate in the interview process. Please tell us what you need, and we will make every effort to accommodate.
Category Food Technologist (Fixed Term Contract) employer: Gousto
At Gousto, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Strategic Supply Chain Lead, you will have the opportunity to drive meaningful change in our operations while benefiting from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology, making your role both rewarding and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Food Technologist (Fixed Term Contract)
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Gousto.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Gousto!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Gousto, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Gousto, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Food Technologist (Fixed Term Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Gousto, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Gousto.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Gousto. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Gousto. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gousto
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Gousto’s mission.
