At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and trial innovative food safety technologies to enhance hygiene and compliance.
- Company: Join Greencore, a leading convenience food creator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, matched pension contributions, life insurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in food safety or technical roles; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive salary
Benefits: Company share save scheme, Competitive matched pension contributions, Life insurance up to 4 x salary
Location: Leeds but Flexible
Ways of Working: Hybrid
Hours of work: 8:30am to 5:00pm - Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Why Greencore?
Following the combination with Bakkavor in January 2026, we're one of the UK's leading creators of convenience food, driven by a simple purpose: to make every day taste better. As a vibrant and fast-moving business, we're proud to employ over 28,000 talented colleagues across 36 manufacturing sites and 21 distribution depots in the UK and the US. Together, we bring delicious food to life. Our products cover every meal occasion from breakfast through to dinner and dessert, with lunch and snacking in between. In FY25, our shared passion helped us achieve combined revenues of approximately £4bn.
Our extensive direct to store (DTS) network, with 17 depots across the UK, allows us to deliver fresh and frozen food both our own and from trusted partners to thousands of stores every day, ensuring consumers enjoy the very best, whenever and wherever they shop.
What you'll be doing
In this busy and exciting role you will identify, research and trial new technical processes and technologies that enhance food safety, hygiene, compliance and operational efficiency across Greencore. You will translate emerging science and innovation into practical solutions, working with partners and internal teams to validate, test and embed new ways of working.
Role Accountabilities:
- Horizon scan emerging technologies and food safety innovations aligned to future strategy
- Research and evaluate new processes, equipment and digital solutions for feasibility
- Plan and lead site trials, ensuring robust data capture, risk management and clear outcomes
- Work collaboratively with Technical, Operations, Engineering, NPD and wider teams to translate innovation into real-world application
- Build partnerships with universities, suppliers and industry groups to access emerging science
- Develop evidence-based recommendations that support investment, compliance and safety decisions
- Create documentation, training and knowledge-transfer materials to support rollout
- Identify opportunities to automate, digitalise or strengthen hygiene and food safety controls
- Ensure innovation aligns to regulatory, retailer and legislative requirements
- Provide regular updates on innovation status, trial progress and technology pipelines
What we're looking for:
- Experience in a technical, food safety, quality or hygiene role within food manufacturing
- Understanding of food safety science, hygiene processes, equipment and risk controls
- Curious, innovation-focused mindset with the ability to spot future opportunities
- Skilled in data analysis, trial design and evaluation of technical solutions
- Ability to translate scientific and technical findings into clear business recommendations
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Comfortable working across sites and leading on-line practical trials
- Experience with automation, digital tools or new manufacturing technologies (desirable)
- Research experience or working with academic partnerships (desirable)
- Project management or CI methodology experience (desirable)
- Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Microbiology or related technical field (desirable)
At Greencore we put our people at the core. We celebrate their differences and help everyone to be themselves at work. Together we make every day taste better. If this sounds like you, join us and grow with Greencore, and be a part of driving our future success.
What you'll get in return:
- Competitive salary and job-related benefits
- Holidays
- Competitive matched pension contributions
- Life insurance up to 4x salary
- Company share save scheme
- Exclusive Greencore employee discount platform
- Access to a full Wellbeing Centre platform
- Enhanced parental leave and menopause policies
Throughout your time at Greencore, you will be supported with on-the-job training and development opportunities to further your career.
Greencore and its recruitment partners never charge candidates any fees at any stage of the hiring process. Any request for payment relating to a job opportunity should be considered fraudulent.
Contact Details:
Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Safety Innovation Specialist in Leeds
✨Join Food Science Communities
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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 Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group), they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Food Safety Innovation Specialist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group), 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!
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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 Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group). 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 Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group). It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group)
✨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 Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group)’s mission.
