At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of exciting food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Gousto, a fast-growing company on a mission to revolutionise dinner in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and inclusivity.
- Other info: Flexible working across various Gousto sites and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how people eat while ensuring quality and safety.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in food manufacturing preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Company Description
Gousto is 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. We’re proud to be one of the fastest‑growing companies in the UK, powered by data and a love of food. Our team is diverse and inclusive, guided by the values Dream, Deliver and Care.
Role Overview
Category Food Technologist – Fixed‑term contract (12 months) based at any Gousto site (Claylake, London or Warrington). Reporting to a Senior Manager, you’ll lead the development of new and existing products and raw materials from concept through to launch, working closely with the Buying and Recipe Development teams. The role requires technical expertise and a passion for quality, safety and compliance.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead the technical development of products and raw materials from concept to launch.
- Ensure all specifications, including quality attributes and food‑safety parameters, are agreed.
- Conduct food‑safety risk assessments for raw materials.
- Partner with Site Technical and Operations to ensure successful launches across Gousto Fulfilment Centres.
- Establish and maintain effective supplier relationships.
- 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 product developer or 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, able to influence and collaborate cross‑functionally.
- Competent in using Google Apps 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, Microbiology or equivalent experience.
- HACCP Level 3.
- Food Safety Level 3.
Inclusion Statement
We care about our people and the opportunities they have at Gousto. Across our business we lead with inclusivity, striving for equity in all we do. Everyone is welcome – we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you have a job share, please apply as a pair. We support reasonable adjustments to the interview process.
Food Technologist (Fixed Term Contract) employer: Gousto
At Gousto, we pride ourselves on being one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member plays a vital role in our mission to revolutionise home dining. With generous benefits such as 25 days of paid leave, a 40% discount on our products, and opportunities for personal growth through mentoring, we ensure that our employees feel valued and empowered. Located in Warrington, our state-of-the-art facilities provide a supportive environment for Multi Skilled Engineers to thrive and contribute to our innovative journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Technologist (Fixed Term Contract)
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Gousto face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Gousto.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Gousto during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Gousto. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Technologist (Fixed Term Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Gousto immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Gousto – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gousto
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Gousto. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Gousto's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
