Graduate R&D Systems Functional Analyst

Graduate R&D Systems Functional Analyst

Full-Time 28000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Randstad Enterprise

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support R&D teams in a global digital transformation by bridging tech and food science.
  • Company: Join a leading FMCG giant with a strong focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Gain structured coaching, earn while you learn, and enjoy hybrid work flexibility.
  • Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams across the UK, US, and Thailand in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career with global exposure and opportunities for rapid progression.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; open to recent grads or early-career professionals.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.

Location: Birstall, Leeds (hybrid)

Contract Length: 12 months, rolling contract

As part of our massive global digital transformation, we are completely upgrading our Product Lifecycle Management (cPLM) system—the core digital platform used to create, manage, and evolve our world-famous product recipes, packaging, and data.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Graduate or Early-Career Analyst with a background in food science or related disciplines to bridge the gap between our R&D experts and our digital technology teams.

The Opportunity: Why Apply?

  • A Launchpad for Your Career: This is an exceptional entry point into a global FMCG giant. We have a proven track record of analysts progressing directly into core R&D labs, product development, and senior transformation roles.
  • Global Exposure: You will collaborate virtually with diverse, cross-functional teams spanning the UK, US, and Thailand.
  • Earn While You Learn: You will receive dedicated, structured coaching from senior Deployment and Capability Leads to build highly sought-after skills in business analysis, system deployment, and stakeholder management.

The role is responsible for:

  • User Support & Knowledge Sharing: Provide day-to-day help to scientists and engineers using the new system, triage their questions, and build user-friendly guides, FAQs, and self-service materials.
  • Requirements & Continuous Improvement: Participate in discovery workshops to capture what our R&D teams need, translate those needs into clear technical requirements, and suggest smart ways to improve the system based on user feedback.
  • System Testing: Create test scripts, prepare data sets, and test the system yourself to catch glitches, logging any bugs before the system goes live globally.
  • Training & Deployment: Assist senior team members in creating and delivering training materials, demos, and hands-on 'hypercare' support during critical go-live periods.

Requirements for this position:

  • Degree: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Experience: Open to recent graduates or those with 1–2 years of experience in R&D, Quality, Supply, laboratory, technical data, or business support roles.
  • Tech-Curious: A strong interest in digital systems and data. Prior experience with R&D or PLM systems is a bonus but completely optional. (Familiarity with using AI chat services to support your learning is a plus!)

Graduate R&D Systems Functional Analyst employer: Randstad Enterprise

Join a leading FMCG giant in Birstall, Leeds, where you will embark on a transformative career journey as a Graduate R&D Systems Functional Analyst. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing you with structured coaching and global exposure to diverse teams. With ample opportunities for growth and development, this role serves as an exceptional launchpad into the world of product development and R&D, making it an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

Randstad Enterprise

Contact Details:

Randstad Enterprise Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate R&D Systems Functional Analyst

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni from your university or connections in the FMCG sector. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.

Tip Number 2

Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your skills in food science and digital systems. Engage with relevant content to show your interest in the industry.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating how your background aligns with the role of a Functional Analyst in R&D.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate R&D Systems Functional Analyst

User Support
Knowledge Sharing
Technical Requirements Translation
System Testing
Test Script Creation
Data Preparation
Training Material Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Graduate R&D Systems Functional Analyst role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework in food science or related fields to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your interest in digital systems and data!

Showcase Your Tech Curiosity:We love candidates who are tech-curious! If you've dabbled in digital systems or have experience with AI chat services, make sure to mention it. It shows us you're eager to learn and adapt in our fast-paced environment.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Enterprise

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and how they relate to R&D in the food sector. Familiarise yourself with common challenges faced by R&D teams and think about how you can contribute to solving them.

Show Your Enthusiasm

This role is all about bridging the gap between R&D and digital technology, so let your passion for both shine through. Share examples of projects or experiences that highlight your interest in food science and technology, and how you’ve engaged with these areas in the past.

Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s digital transformation journey and how the role fits into it. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Practice Problem-Solving

Since you'll be involved in user support and system testing, practice articulating your problem-solving process. Think of scenarios where you had to troubleshoot issues or improve a system, and be ready to discuss how you approached those challenges.