At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product development projects and manage trials in a hands-on role.
- Company: Valeo Foods UK, home to beloved food brands and innovative products.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in R&D with a focus on quality and collaboration.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help shape the future of iconic British brands.
- Qualifications: Experience or qualification in food science and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation. Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week. As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK. Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.
6 month fixed term contract York (site-based, 5 days a week)
At Valeo Foods UK, we’re looking for an R&D Support Technologist to join our confectionery team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This is a practical, hands-on role based at our York site, working closely with the R&D Manager and wider teams to support the delivery of product development projects across our UK confectionery sites. You’ll play a key role in supporting R&D activity, particularly within our Valeo Confectionery Academy (pilot plant), helping to turn concepts into scalable products.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting product trials and sample preparation in the pilot plant and factory
- Managing ingredients, materials and stock for development and trials
- Maintaining accurate documentation, including recipes and specifications
- Running and supporting sensory evaluation and shelf-life testing, and turning results into clear insights
- Coordinating with suppliers and internal teams to ensure materials are available for trials
- Supporting customer and internal visits, including set‑up and sample preparation
- Assisting with factory trials, reporting results and keeping stakeholders updated
You’ll work closely with teams across product development, operations, procurement, technical and marketing, so strong communication and organisation will be important.
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Experienced or qualified in food science, product development, or a related area
- Comfortable in a hands‑on, site‑based environment
- Organised and detail‑focused, particularly with documentation and processes
- Collaborative, with the ability to work across different teams
- Interested in product quality, sensory testing and continuous improvement
This is a good opportunity to gain broad exposure to R&D in a busy, commercially focused environment, with involvement across the full development lifecycle.
R&D Support Technologist (FTC) employer: Rowse Honey Ltd
Valeo Foods UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation meets tradition. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on quality, team members are encouraged to grow their skills in a fast-paced environment while contributing to the success of beloved UK food brands. Located in York, this role offers a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on R&D projects within a supportive team, making a tangible impact on product development and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Support Technologist (FTC)
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Rowse Honey Ltd 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 Rowse Honey Ltd.
✨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 Rowse Honey Ltd 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 Rowse Honey Ltd. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Support Technologist (FTC)
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 Rowse Honey Ltd 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 Rowse Honey Ltd – 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 Rowse Honey Ltd
✨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 Rowse Honey Ltd. 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 Rowse Honey Ltd'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!
