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- Tasks: Design and validate cooking instructions for food products, ensuring safety and quality.
- Company: Join Leatherhead Food Research, a leader in the food and beverage sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package while gaining hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and consumer satisfaction in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for food science, strong academic background, and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse clients and work in state-of-the-art kitchens.
The predicted salary is between 1500 - 2100 ÂŁ per month.
Leatherhead Food Research, part of Sagentia Regulatory, provides world‑class expertise and support to the global food and beverage sector. We deliver practical solutions across the entire product lifecycle—from consumer insight and ingredient innovation to food safety consultancy and global regulatory advice. As our business continues to grow in the UK and internationally, we are seeking talented individuals to join our team.
The Opportunity
We are offering a 12-week fixed‑term contract starting in April or May 2026. This role provides hands‑on experience working on projects for a diverse range of clients—from innovative startups to global brands—within our state‑of‑the‑art, UKAS‑accredited kitchens. At Leatherhead Food Research, cooking instructions are critical to product safety, quality, and consumer satisfaction. Our Cooking Instructions team ensures that every product entering the market has clear, accurate, and reliable guidance for consumers.
Role Details
- Designing and validating cooking instructions that guarantee food safety and deliver the intended eating experience.
- Conducting time and temperature trials across various appliances (ovens, microwaves, grills, air fryers) to ensure consistency and compliance.
- Performing sensory and quality assessments to confirm that products meet brand standards after cooking.
- Applying scientific and analytical methods to verify that instructions align with UK and global regulatory requirements.
- Collaborating with clients to adapt instructions for different markets and packaging formats.
This work is essential for protecting consumers, meeting legal obligations, and supporting successful product launches.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and verify accurate, safe, and clear cooking instructions for food products.
- Conduct time and temperature tests, perform quality and sensory assessments, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver high‑quality results within tight deadlines.
About You
- Passionate about pursuing a career in the food industry.
- Academic background in Food Science or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Strong academic background (GCSEs and A-levels).
- Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for hands‑on work.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise You Will Have
- A passion for pursuing a career in the food industry.
- Be currently studying (or have studied) Food Science or a related field at university.
- Have strong GCSE and A-level qualifications.
- Possess broad analytical skills and a keen eye for detail.
- Be enthusiastic, hands‑on, and passionate about cooking.
You Might Also Have (but it’s not essential)
- Previous catering experience.
Benefits
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
Cooking Instructions - Spring Fixed Term Contract April 2026 | Leatherhead Food Research employer: Sagentia Defence
Contact Detail:
Sagentia Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cooking Instructions - Spring Fixed Term Contract April 2026 | Leatherhead Food Research
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those connected to Leatherhead Food Research. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got any cooking or food science projects, create a portfolio or a blog to showcase your work. This is a great way to demonstrate your passion and expertise, making you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of food safety and cooking techniques. Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing cooking instructions. We love candidates who can think critically and creatively about food!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind and shows that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Leatherhead Food Research.
We think you need these skills to ace Cooking Instructions - Spring Fixed Term Contract April 2026 | Leatherhead Food Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the cooking instructions role. Highlight any food science background or hands-on experience you have, as this will show us you're a great fit for the team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the food industry and explain why you want to work with us at Leatherhead Food Research. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm come through.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since accuracy is key in cooking instructions, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. This attention to detail will demonstrate to us that you understand the importance of precision in our work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sagentia Defence
✨Know Your Cooking Science
Brush up on your food science knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss how cooking methods affect food safety and quality, as this role is all about ensuring accurate cooking instructions.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
If you've had any practical experience in kitchens or with food products, make sure to highlight it. Talk about specific projects or tasks where you applied your analytical skills and attention to detail.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Regulations
Understand the key UK and global food safety regulations that might impact cooking instructions. Being able to reference these during your interview will show that you're serious about compliance and consumer safety.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about their projects or team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
