At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product quality, compliance, and innovation in a dynamic food technology role.
- Company: Join Kepak, a leading food company with a passion for quality and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company pension, further education support, and a bike-to-work scheme.
- Other info: Collaborate cross-functionally and grow your career in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and product launches in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in food science or relevant experience in the food industry required.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 39000 £ per year.
Kepak is a leading food company operating across Ireland and the UK, employing over 4,500 people across its Foods, Meat UK, and Meat Ireland divisions. Guided by our values of Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork, we supply fresh and value-added meat products to retail and foodservice customers through private label partnerships and our well-known brands, including Rustlers, Big Al’s, and John Stone.
Within our Foods Division, over 1,000 colleagues across five manufacturing sites are driving our ambition to build a transformed, future-ready, profitable €0.5bn food business by 2030, serving customers across the UK, Ireland, and selected European markets.
Are you a detail-oriented Food Technologist with a passion for product quality, compliance, and innovation? We're looking for a Food Technologist to join our team in York. Reporting to the Senior Food Technologist, you will play a key role in managing artwork, packaging specifications, customer requirements, supplier documentation, and technical compliance activities. You will ensure that product information, pack copy, specifications, and technical documentation are accurate, compliant, and maintained to meet customer, legal, and business requirements.
This is an exciting opportunity to work cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders, supporting product launches, audits, food safety systems, and continuous improvement initiatives. You'll also take ownership of customer portal management, ensuring key stakeholders remain informed of any updates or changes.
Key Responsibilities- Product Quality
- Create, maintain, and verify pack copy information for products manufactured on site.
- Review and approve raw material specifications to ensure compliance with customer, technical, and regulatory requirements.
- Planning & Delivery
- Complete supplier questionnaires (SAQs), customer queries, and technical documentation within agreed timescales.
- Coordinate technical activities to support product launches and artwork approval processes.
- Operational Excellence
- Take ownership of packaging specification management and associated technical documentation.
- Generate and maintain product and packaging codes, including DB, SE, NWF, PK, and other business coding systems as required.
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Support food safety and legal compliance by ensuring specifications and technical information remain current and accurate.
- Manage the artwork approval process, ensuring packaging and labelling comply with all relevant legal, regulatory, and customer requirements across key markets.
- Customer Focus
- Communicate customer requirements effectively across the site and monitor ongoing compliance.
- Respond to technical customer queries and requests in a timely and professional manner.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Marketing, NPD, Operations, Procurement, and Technical teams to deliver business objectives and successful product launches.
- Degree in food science, nutrition or relevant 1+ year experience in Quality, Technical, or Labelling within the Food Industry and ready to take next step.
- Have knowledge of HACCP principles and understand the importance of Critical Control Points (CCPs) and associated monitoring activities.
- Knowledge of legislation, customer standards, food safety requirements and technical systems relevant to the role.
- Able to work to high standards in a fast-paced environment.
Ready to take the next step in your food technology career? We'd love to hear from you.
Benefits- Company Pension
- Further Education support
- Dedicated L&D Team
- Bike to Work Scheme - You can buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
- Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
- BUPA Cash plan free of charge
Food Technologist in York employer: Kepak Group
Kepak Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a focus on operational excellence, this role offers the opportunity to shape training strategies that directly impact performance across the UK and Ireland, while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model and access to continuous professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Technologist in York
✨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 Kepak Group.
✨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 Kepak Group!
✨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 Kepak Group, 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 Kepak Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Technologist in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Kepak 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!
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 Kepak Group.
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 Kepak 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 Kepak Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kepak 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 Kepak Group’s mission.
