Product Technician & QA

This is a fantastic role for someone that wants the opportunity to be part of a young, dynamic and very entrepreneurial SME business and really make their mark in the fast-paced world of plant-based food. Moving Mountains Foods® is a pioneering food-tech company on a mission to transform how the world eats. We create plant-based meats and other nutrient-rich products for both retail and foodservice, available throughout the UK, Europe, and Asia. Our alternatives deliver the taste, texture, and satisfaction of traditional meat, using fewer resources and generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions. By championing innovation and wellbeing, we aim to revolutionise the food industry and pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.

As a Product Technician and QA, it is your role to make sure food products are produced safely, according to the current regulations and to the quality claimed. You will manage the processes to ensure that the final products, packaging and processes meet the required technical, quality and regulatory standards. Keeping up with ever-changing food production regulations will be an essential part of your job.

Role responsibilities:

• Check and improve safety and quality control procedures in our manufacturers’ factories, from the raw material stage through to the finished product.
• Work with the manufacturing suppliers to develop solutions to production issues and/or modify existing processes, while maintaining food safety.
• Complete, check and approve new line forms, product specifications and labelling, in order to comply with customer requirements and legislation.
• Liaise with technical and commercial colleagues in procurement, sales, technical services, marketing and distribution, and with official food inspection and hygiene agencies.
• Deal with QA-related complaint investigations or product issues.
• Stay up-to-date with new plant-based trends and ingredients.
• Research current consumer markets and latest technologies to develop new product concepts.
• Plan, manage and run tasting sessions and sensory tests on experimental and new food products.
• Undertake long-term projects with other departments, such as company certifications or environmental goals.
• Assist on launches of new products.
• Oversee product certifications and renewals, such as Vegan or Halal/Kosher.

Key Skills Required:

• Work experience in a similar role in the food manufacturing industry is advantageous.
• Knowledge of plant protein and awareness of the consumer market.
• Genuine interest in science and how it is applied to food and cookery.
• High standards of cleanliness and the ability to adhere to strict hygiene rules.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Leadership qualities.
• People and team working skills.
• Numeracy and problem-solving skills.
• Time management and organisational skills.

Qualifications:

• A food-related degree will be beneficial for this role. The following subjects in particular are relevant: food, nutrition and health; food safety and quality management; food science/technology; other relevant science subjects include physical, mathematical, life and medical science. In particular, subjects such as nutrition, microbiology and applied chemistry are helpful.

Personal attributes:

• Able to work as part of a team in a co-operative and supportive way.
• Ability to build relationships with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to excellence and a relentless pursuit of results with an exceptional work ethic, strong organisational skills and a can-do attitude.
• Entrepreneurial and driven individual with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to anticipate and determine staff needs to ensure greater efficiencies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects on parallel and competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, displaying strong initiative in solving day-to-day problems with limited direction.

HOURS: Full time 9:00am-5:30pm Monday-Friday. Flexi time available to accommodate lifestyles.

HYBRID WORKING: 3 mandatory office days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Must be willing to commute to office location.

LOCATION: Shoreditch, London.

SALARY: £29,000 per annum.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & PERKS:

• 25 days holiday per year.
• 2 volunteering days per year.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Health Insurance.
• Monthly team social activities and dinner.
• Employee of the month scheme.
• Free office sustenance (hot drinks, snacks etc.).
• Free Moving Mountains products.
• WFH support set up – equipment etc.
• Development and training opportunities to upskill.