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For Companies At a Glance
- 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: 12-week contract with opportunities to work with innovative clients and brands.
The predicted salary is between 1300 - 1800 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 and Summer Fixed Term Contract 2026 | Leatherhead Food Research in Epsom employer: Sagentia Defence
Contact Detail:
Sagentia Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cooking Instructions - Spring and Summer Fixed Term Contract 2026 | Leatherhead Food Research in Epsom
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those who work at Leatherhead Food Research. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cooking instructions and food safety. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food! Bring examples of your cooking experiences or projects you've worked on. This will help us see your enthusiasm and hands-on skills in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there.
We think you need these skills to ace Cooking Instructions - Spring and Summer Fixed Term Contract 2026 | Leatherhead Food Research in Epsom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects in Food Science, as well as any hands-on cooking experience you might have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your passion for the food industry. Share why you're excited about this role at Leatherhead Food Research and how your background makes you a great fit for the team.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves conducting tests and assessments, be sure to mention any analytical skills or experiences you've had. This could be from your studies or any relevant projects you've worked on.
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. Showing that you understand the science behind cooking will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for the food industry shine through. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on, whether it's a university assignment or a personal cooking venture. This will help the interviewers see your genuine interest in the role and the field.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that test your analytical skills and attention to detail. You might be asked how you would approach designing cooking instructions or conducting time and temperature trials. Think through these scenarios beforehand so you can provide clear, structured answers during the interview.
✨Show Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you work within a team. Share examples of past teamwork experiences, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlighting your ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines will resonate well with the interviewers.
