At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of innovative food products and collaborate with teams to bring concepts to life.
- Company: Join Solina, a fast-growing international leader in food innovation.
- Benefits: Dynamic work environment, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative setting with exposure to market trends and culinary innovations.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of food with exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing or FMCG, with a passion for product development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture. We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient. Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America. By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet. If you’re ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us!
Shape the Future of Food Innovation
Solina is a leading international partner to the food industry, delivering innovative ingredient solutions and food concepts across multiple categories. At our Zafron Foods sauce manufacturing site, we specialise in creating exciting, trend‑led sauce solutions for Foodservice and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) customers. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Development Technologist to join our growing Foodservice & QSR team at Zafron in Mitcham, Surrey. This is a hands‑on development role offering exposure to customer projects, product innovation, factory trials, and commercial launches. It’s an excellent opportunity for someone with FMCG or food manufacturing experience who is passionate about food, enjoys working cross‑functionally, and wants to develop their career within a fast‑paced and collaborative environment.
The Role
As a Development Technologist, you will support the successful development and delivery of new and existing products across our Foodservice & QSR portfolio. Working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and customers, you’ll help bring concepts to life – from kitchen development through to production. You’ll also play an important role in maintaining a professional, organised, and customer‑ready development environment at the Zafron Foods site.
Key Responsibilities
- Support New Product Development (NPD) projects from customer brief through to launch
- Assist with Existing Product Development (EPD) and product optimisation activities
- Prepare and deliver high‑quality development samples for customers and internal stakeholders
- Support recipe scale‑up and factory trial processes
- Assist with raw material testing, ingredient evaluations, and value engineering initiatives
- Maintain accurate recipe, specification, and development data
- Support customer visits, presentations, and first production runs
- Attend customer meetings alongside NPD Lead Managers where required
- Participate in daily tasting panels and ingredient reviews
- Build strong working relationships across departments and functions
- Keep up to date with market trends, new ingredients, packaging developments, and innovation opportunities through supplier engagement and industry workshops
What We’re Looking For
You’ll thrive in this role if you are:
- Curious, creative, and solutions‑focused
- Comfortable working independently in a fast‑paced environment
- Customer‑oriented with a commercial mindset
- A strong team player who builds positive relationships
- Passionate about quality and continuous improvement
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, or food development, ideally within sauce manufacturing or related categories
- Passion for food innovation and product development
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Development Technologist employer: Solina
At Solina, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant and entrepreneurial culture that thrives on innovation and sustainability. Located in Mitcham, our team enjoys a collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, hands-on experience in product development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the food industry. Join us to be part of a passionate community dedicated to creating delicious and sustainable food solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those working at Solina or similar companies. Attend industry events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the latest trends in food innovation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, share your ideas on food development and innovation. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Solina’s products and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like product optimisation and customer engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Solina team and contributing to their mission of making food matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for food innovation and development. We want to see how you can bring that passion to our team!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the Development Technologist role. Highlight your FMCG or food manufacturing experience and any specific skills that align with the job description. This helps us see why you're a perfect fit for Solina!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Solina!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solina
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food innovation and ingredient sourcing. Being able to discuss specific ingredients and their applications in sauces will show your passion for the role and the industry.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare examples of past projects where you’ve contributed to product development or optimisation. Highlight your creative problem-solving skills, especially in fast-paced environments, as this is crucial for a Development Technologist.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to work cross-functionally. Share experiences where you collaborated with different teams or stakeholders, as building strong relationships is key in this role.
✨Stay Organised
Demonstrate your organisational skills by discussing how you manage multiple projects or tasks. Mention any tools or methods you use to keep track of recipes, specifications, and development data, as attention to detail is essential.
