At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify and trial innovative food safety technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
- Company: Join Greencore, a leading UK convenience food creator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, matched pension contributions, life insurance, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in food safety or technical roles; a curious mindset is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive salary
Benefits: Company share save scheme, Competitive matched pension contributions, Life insurance up to 4 x salary
Location: Leeds
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.
Technical Innovation Specialist in Leeds employer: Greencore
Contact Detail:
Greencore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Innovation Specialist in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the food industry, especially those working in technical roles. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest innovations in food safety and hygiene.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience with technical processes and innovations. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your ability to translate science into practical solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay curious! Keep up with the latest trends in food safety and technology by reading industry publications or following relevant blogs. This knowledge will not only impress interviewers but also help you identify opportunities for innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Greencore and being part of our mission to make every day taste better.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Innovation Specialist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technical Innovation Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in food safety, hygiene, and any innovative projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Curiosity: We love a curious mind! In your application, share examples of how you've identified and explored new technologies or processes in your previous roles. This will show us that you're not just about following the status quo but are eager to innovate.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to technical details!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greencore
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on food safety science and hygiene processes. Familiarise yourself with the latest innovations in food technology, as you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of how these can enhance operational efficiency.
✨Show Your Curiosity
During the interview, express your curiosity and innovation-focused mindset. Share examples of how you've spotted future opportunities in past roles or projects, and be ready to discuss how you would approach horizon scanning for emerging technologies.
✨Data is Key
Be prepared to talk about your experience with data analysis and trial design. Bring specific examples of how you've used data to evaluate technical solutions and make evidence-based recommendations in previous roles.
✨Engage and Collaborate
Highlight your stakeholder engagement skills by discussing how you've worked collaboratively with different teams. Mention any partnerships you've built with universities or suppliers, as this will show your ability to translate innovation into real-world applications.