Process Development Technologist, Buckie

Process Development Technologist, Buckie

Associated Seafoods

Location: On site / Buckie, UK
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry and Food Processing | General
Salary: Negotiable salary

Role: Process Development Technologist

Reporting to: NPD Manager

Site: ASL Buckie, Low Street

Shift Pattern: Day Shift (with occasional travel and flexibility required)

Pay: Competitive salary, dependent on skills and experience

About the Role

Associated Seafoods is seeking a passionate and motivated Process Development Technologist to join our New Product Development team at our Buckie site.

This is an excellent opportunity for a food enthusiast who enjoys developing innovative products and working collaboratively across multiple departments. You will play a key role in delivering new product development and continuous improvement projects, supporting products from initial concept through to full-scale production.

Working closely with Commercial, Technical, Operations and Finance teams, you will ensure products are developed efficiently, safely, legally and to the highest quality standards while meeting both customer and business requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the review and progression of development briefs alongside the NPD and Commercial teams.
• Conduct research, recipe development, process development and product improvement activities.
• Generate and contribute to new product ideas, concepts and innovation projects.
• Prepare, cook and evaluate products for internal reviews, customer submissions and factory trials.
• Present samples to customers and senior management when required.
• Organise, coordinate and document factory trials, ensuring accurate communication of results and recommendations.
• Complete and maintain development documentation, including NPD specifications, Product Quality Standards (QAS) and customer-related records.
• Maintain and update the Buckie NPD Tracker, including new products, artwork amendments, product changes and sample activity.
• Support existing product improvement projects and ensure all product changes are accurately documented and communicated.
• Liaise with suppliers of ingredients and packaging to support development projects.
• Assist with customer factory trial visits and project reviews.
• Ensure the NPD kitchen is maintained to a high standard, including stock control, cleaning, equipment maintenance and preparation of samples.
• Adhere to all food safety, hygiene and allergen management procedures, including maintaining the site's nut‑free standards.

About You

• Background, qualification or strong interest in Food Production, Food Science, Product Development or a related discipline.
• Passion for food, innovation and product development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain accurate records.
• Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build effective relationships.
• Understanding of food safety legislation, hygiene practices and HACCP principles.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to use initiative and work independently.
• Experience within a food manufacturing or processing environment.
• Knowledge of retailer specification systems.
• Awareness of food trends, ingredients and market innovation.
• Experience supporting factory trials and product launches.

Why Join Associated Seafoods?

• Opportunity to work with an innovative and growing food manufacturer.
• Be involved in exciting product development projects from concept to launch.
• Work within a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Career development and learning opportunities.