Category Technologist

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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

INCLUSION STATEMENT

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.