At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food packaging projects and collaborate with top scientists to reduce food waste.
- Company: Join Klura Ltd, a pioneering biotech company transforming the food system.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, green benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-paced team driving change in a multi-billion-dollar sector.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security while working in cutting-edge labs.
- Qualifications: BSc in Food Science and 3+ years of relevant technical experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: On site 5 days a week at our R&D labs in Haverhill or out in the field at food factories/retail trial sites.
Full time - Permanent
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 per annum
About Us:
Klura Ltd is an innovative biotech company transforming the food system from the ground up. Our mission is simple but massive: change how we preserve food, extend shelf-life, and drastically reduce global food waste, contributing to global food security. Our technology bridges the gap between sustainability and profitability. We help growers and retailers see less waste and higher ROI, while empowering consumers with fresh produce that actually lasts. We are a team of forward-thinkers, scientists, and problem-solvers rewriting the rules of food preservation. Join us and help make a measurable impact on the planet every single day.
About the Role:
Are you a hands-on technical expert who loves seeing science come to life in the real world? At Klura, we’re looking for a Technical Manager in food to be the vital bridge between our advanced functional packaging and live commercial food systems. Reporting directly to the Product Innovation Director, you will be the ultimate cross-functional connector. You’ll collaborate closely with our in-house Microbiology team (the experts on safety and pathogen testing) and our Materials Science team (the innovators designing our active polymer matrices). Your mission? Take their baseline lab discoveries and translate them into scalable, real-world packaging solutions for our clients. Just as importantly, you'll gather feedback from the field and bring those industry insights back to our science teams to drive future innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Serve as the practical link between our science teams and industry. You will sync formulation chemistry and baseline microbial data into synchronised packaging application matrix trials.
- Real-World Application Trials: Lead the end-to-end setup and monitoring of physical shelf-life validation trials under realistic commercial supply chain stresses. Co-create practical solutions for technology integration alongside clients and the science team.
- Physical & Chemical Testing: Track, quantify, and analyse vital product quality over time in close collaboration with clients and the in-house science team.
- Sensory & Visual Organoleptic Panels: Establish and coordinate detailed internal and external sensory panels to rigorously document taste, texture, aroma, and commercial aesthetic preservation.
- On-Site Client Trials: Travel to and manage live pilots within industrial client environments—including packing houses, commercial bakeries, and protein processors—ensuring smooth operational integration of Klura packaging tech.
- Data Translation for Innovation: Compile trial datasets into technical application portfolios for the Product Innovation Director, giving clear evidence to support commercialisation or formula iterations.
Qualifications/ Skills & Experience
- Education: BSc in Food Science, Food Technology, or a closely applied food-related discipline.
- Sector Competence: 3+ years of technical experience in applications, product development, or quality management. Verifiable experience working within at least two of our core target sectors (Meat/Fish/Poultry, Bakery, or Fresh Produce/Berries) is a must.
- Food Science & Chemistry Fluency: A strong baseline understanding of structural food decay and food safety mechanisms.
- Packaging Interactivity: A solid grasp of industrial packaging mechanics, gas barrier values, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), or active packaging systems.
- Stakeholder Communication: Outstanding communication skills. You must be able to confidently act as the technical bridge between core lab scientists, founders, directors, and factory-floor clients.
What We Offer
- Competitive Compensation: A highly competitive base salary paired with performance-based bonuses and equity options, ensuring you share in our long-term success.
- Green Benefits: Access to our Salary Sacrifice Electric Car scheme, helping you lower your carbon footprint outside of work, too.
- Growth & Innovation: Work in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities with dedicated funding for your continued professional development.
- Unmatched Exposure: Gain deep, cross-functional exposure working alongside world-class biotech and polymer science pioneers.
- Real Global Impact: The unique opportunity to be an early, influential part of a high-growth scale-up actively disrupting a multi-billion-dollar sector and fixing the global food system.
If you are an innovative, collaborative Food Technologist who wants to make a genuine difference in the global food system, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and excels working autonomously, we would love to hear from you.
Food Scientist - Technical Manager in Haverhill employer: KluraLabs™
Klura Ltd is an exceptional employer for those passionate about food science and sustainability, offering a dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art R&D labs in Haverhill. With competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and a commitment to employee growth through professional development funding, we empower our team to make a real impact on global food security while collaborating with leading experts in the field. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to transforming the food system and reducing waste, all while enjoying unique benefits like our Salary Sacrifice Electric Car scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Scientist - Technical Manager in Haverhill
✨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 KluraLabs™.
✨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 KluraLabs™!
✨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 KluraLabs™, 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 KluraLabs™, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Scientist - Technical Manager in Haverhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at KluraLabs™, 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 KluraLabs™.
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 KluraLabs™. 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 KluraLabs™. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at KluraLabs™
✨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 KluraLabs™’s mission.