At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to innovate and develop delicious cocoa-based confectionery products.
- Company: Nestlé is a global leader in food and beverage, committed to quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Relocation support may be available; we value diversity and inclusion in our workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making impactful products while fostering personal growth and development.
- Qualifications: A Master's degree in Food Science or similar, with R&D experience in the food industry preferred.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Overview
R&D Senior Specialist - Cocoa role at Nestlé. Business: Nestlé Product Technology Centre – Confectionery (NPTC). Location: York, North Yorkshire. Salary up to £55,000 depending on experience, plus bonus, car allowance, generous pension scheme, 12 flexible days on top of 25 days holiday entitlement, 2 paid volunteering days, and other attractive benefits. This is a permanent full-time opportunity. Nestlé is open to discussing flexible working needs.
Position Summary
We currently have an excellent opportunity for a R&D Senior Specialist in Cocoa to join our Food Chemistry team here in York. It’s a role requiring you to apply your scientific expertise to help develop confectionery products that consumers will love.
A Day in the Life of a R&D Senior Specialist (Cocoa)…
You will drive the collection, interpretation and application of scientific findings into the development of new product concepts coupled with solving existing business issues and opportunities. You will be required to contribute setting-up and implementing the future scientific strategy in this field. This will require working both with business partners and with scientific experts in the cocoa world (within Nestlé, academia and the wider industry).
Key responsibilities
- Build, document and share knowledge about latest production / processing methods, trends and developments in the area of cocoa.
- Propose, plan and deliver technical and scientific support on projects.
- Provide accurate and on-time support to operations with effective (quality, cost and on-time) and sustainable solutions.
- Act as a cocoa expert, bringing innovation into the business by leveraging internal networks, and external partners such as academic institutions and suppliers.
- Lead, manage and champion knowledge building across business related project activities, driving proactive participation across various stakeholders.
- Lead science and technology focus areas and related building blocks.
- Explore breakthrough processes and/or technology that are patentable.
What will make you successful?
You will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Possess a Higher University degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of Food Science, Food Chemistry or similar.
- Have previously worked in an R&D environment in the food / cocoa industry. Confectionery experience would be ideal but not essential.
- Have knowledge and experience in cocoa bean processing (fermenting, drying, roasting, grinding) and the impact of these steps on finished chocolate products.
- Be able to communicate complex scientific results/research areas in a way that is easily understood, instilling credibility across the business.
- Have experience of interacting with product development groups, being able to translate science into working prototypes.
- Work with team members both internally and externally in a proactive, cooperative manner.
- Have the willingness to transfer knowledge and be able to coach and mentor junior colleagues i.e. placement and PhD students.
- Excellent networking skills and proactivity.
What You Need To Know
What can we offer in return? Great benefits you’d expect from a business the size of Nestlé – in the shape of a competitive salary and benefits package, bonus scheme, flexible working scheme, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays plus flex leave, pension scheme and a real focus on personal development and growth. Relocation support could be available for the successful candidate.
Job opening date: 26/08/2025
Job closing date: 10/09/2025
We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job advertisements early in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please don’t delay in submitting your application.
At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect – for our employees, our customers and our consumers. That’s why championing diversity and inclusion is so important to us; when we embrace different perspectives and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our business. We are committed to equal opportunity for all and we may collect relevant data for monitoring purposes during our candidate registration process.
Details
- Seniority level: Associate
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
- Industries: Food and Beverage Services
R&D Senior Specialist - Cocoa in York employer: Nestlé
Nestlé is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in York where innovation meets tradition in the cocoa industry. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous benefits including flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Nestlé empowers its R&D Senior Specialists to thrive while contributing to the development of beloved confectionery products. Join a team that values scientific expertise and fosters collaboration with both internal and external partners, ensuring a rewarding career path in food science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Senior Specialist - Cocoa 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 Nestlé.
✨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 Nestlé!
✨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 Nestlé, 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 Nestlé, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Senior Specialist - Cocoa in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Nestlé, 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 Nestlé.
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 Nestlé. 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 Nestlé. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nestlé
✨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 Nestlé’s mission.
