At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product and process development for a major food manufacturing project.
- Company: Exciting food manufacturer with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits, plus flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to shape technical delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food production while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in food manufacturing and a relevant degree required.
Location: manufacturing site outside of Wigan (4 days a week, 1 day WFH, easily commutable from Bolton)
Contract type: 12 months FTC
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 + bonus and benefits
Pod Talent is partnering with an exciting food manufacturer to appoint an R&D and Process Technologist for a high-profile change programme at one of its largest UK production sites. This is not a laboratory-led research position. It is a factory-facing product and process development role, focused on moving established food products across a simplified production network. You will make sure each product can be manufactured reliably on its new line while protecting its taste, texture, safety, quality and shelf life. Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain, you will turn technical challenges into practical solutions. That will include planning full-scale trials, interpreting production data, resolving issues found during testing and guiding products through to an approved manufacturing process. You will also support and develop a junior technologist.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the technical workstream for a complex manufacturing consolidation project, from initial assessment through factory approval.
- Plan and oversee pilot and production-scale trials, setting clear objectives, measures and decision points.
- Assess how changes in equipment, batch size, heating, mixing or filling could affect the finished product.
- Review trial results and production data to identify causes of waste, inconsistency or poor line performance.
- Develop workable product or process adjustments and confirm that they perform consistently.
- Provide day-to-day direction, coaching and technical support to a junior Technologist.
What we’re looking for
- 3+ years of experience in the same, or similar roles. Food manufacturing background is a must.
- A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- An experience of factory scale-up, production trials, product transfer or industrialisation.
- Evidence of personally leading technically demanding projects rather than only contributing to individual tasks.
- Confidence using data and structured problem solving to reach sound technical decisions.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the resilience to challenge decisions constructively in a direct, fast-moving factory environment.
- A practical, adaptable approach and the ability to build credibility with stakeholders at every level of the site.
Why consider this opportunity?
- Take ownership of a visible project with a direct impact on how a large food production site operates.
- Join an established R&D team while retaining the autonomy to shape the technical delivery of the project.
- Gain leadership responsibility through the management and development of a junior technologist.
- There may be scope for the contract to continue or lead to another opportunity, although this cannot be guaranteed.
Interested? If you have led food products through factory trials, scale-up or transfer and enjoy solving problems on the production floor, I’d love to talk. Apply now or contact for a confidential conversation. Please note: Relevant product or process development experience within food manufacturing is a core requirement for this role, and we are therefore only able to consider applicants with this background. Candidates must also have the existing right to work in the UK, as the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Process Development Technologist (R/Food Manufacturing) in Bolton employer: Pod Talent
Join a dynamic e-commerce business in London that values innovation and collaboration, offering a vibrant work culture where your contributions directly influence growth across the UK and Europe. With a focus on employee development, you will have access to training and mentorship opportunities, ensuring your professional growth while enjoying a supportive environment that celebrates success and fosters teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Development Technologist (R/Food Manufacturing) in Bolton
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Pod Talent face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Pod Talent.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Pod Talent during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Pod Talent. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Process Development Technologist (R/Food Manufacturing) in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Pod Talent immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Pod Talent – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod Talent
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Pod Talent. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Pod Talent's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
