At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects in food manufacturing, ensuring product quality and consistency.
- Company: Dynamic food manufacturer with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and the chance to work from home one day a week.
- Other info: Opportunity for contract extension and career growth in a supportive R&D team.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
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&D/Food Manufacturing) in Manchester 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&D/Food Manufacturing) in Manchester
✨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 Pod Talent.
✨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 Pod Talent!
✨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 Pod Talent, 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 Pod Talent, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Process Development Technologist (R&D/Food Manufacturing) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Pod Talent, 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 Pod Talent.
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 Pod Talent. 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 Pod Talent. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod Talent
✨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 Pod Talent’s mission.
