At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure quality and safety of itsu products while collaborating with suppliers and the technical team.
- Company: Join itsu, a leading healthy eating brand with global ambitions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, health insurance, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving food safety and innovation in the grocery sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in food technology and a passion for quality assurance.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Role
Responsible for the quality, safety, legality and authenticity of itsu [grocery] products and supplier performance. Responsible for driving the awareness of a food safety culture and ensuring it is always considered during decision making. Support the Technical team in maintaining AA Grade certification against the BRC Agents & Brokers standard.
About Us
itsu is the healthy eating, Asian inspired quick service retail & grocery brand with over 70 stores in the UK and a leading grocery business across Europe and beyond. Renowned for its best-in-class food made fresh in every shop every day, itsu has huge global ambitions with a commitment to continue to open many more stores and intensify the growth of its already thriving grocery arm. With its best-in-class healthy food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food. itsu [grocery], which this role falls under, takes the itsu brand into supermarkets, health food stores, online, wholesale and internationally with products such as crispy seaweed thins, frozen gyoza & bao, brilliant broth, rice noodles & miso easy to name a few.
D&I Statement
itsu [grocery] is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation. We encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply for all of our opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Works with the Category Technical Manager to approve and onboard new suppliers. Maintains the supplier management system ensuring certificates, questionnaires and specifications are completed and up to date at all times.
- Supports the Technical Executive with ongoing monitoring of product quality, safety and authenticity through routine surveillance testing (covering nutritionals, claim validation, micro, chemical and authenticity testing), shelf-life evaluation and organoleptic testing.
- Responsible for completing complaint and out of specification test result investigations for low and medium risk issues. Identifies the root cause and puts relevant corrective and preventative actions in place.
- Supports the Category Technical Manager on the technical elements of NPD and EPD projects ensuring the gate process is followed and testing completed on time for nutritionals, cooking instructions and shelf life. Attends production trials and first productions.
- Completes the product specifications for new products accurately and on time, ensuring that they capture key product safety and quality information. Maintains specifications for existing products ensuring they are accurate and up to date.
- Reviews and approves legal labelling artwork for new and existing products and checks compliance with itsu [grocery] brand standards and the labelling regulations.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Competitive bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (two bank holidays are interchangeable for other religious holidays)
- Health insurance
- Company pension scheme
- Hybrid working (2 days wfh)
- Opportunity to work from abroad
- 50% employee discount in itsu shops
- Free itsu lunch
- Discounts at major retailers
- Salary sacrifice cycle and electric vehicle schemes
- A sizeable training budget to support your ongoing development
Food Technologist in London employer: itsu
itsu is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of quality and safety in the food industry, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. With a commitment to employee growth through a sizeable training budget and hybrid working options, itsu fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every team member's contribution. Located at the forefront of the healthy eating movement, employees enjoy competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances and discounts, making it a rewarding place to build a career in food technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Technologist in London
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like itsu.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from itsu!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
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 itsu, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at itsu, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Technologist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at itsu, 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!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at itsu.
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 itsu. 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 itsu. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at itsu
✨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 itsu’s mission.
