At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative food solutions and support projects from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Solina, a passionate and entrepreneurial food innovation company.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience, collaborative environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with experienced colleagues and make a real impact from day one.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career in food innovation with a dynamic R&D team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; passion for food and product development.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ 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! Passionate about food and ready to kick‑start your career in food innovation? Join Solina at our Elland site in West Yorkshire, where you’ll help develop innovative sauces, marinades and dressings for leading food‑service and QSR brands. Innovation, collaboration, and a passion for food are at the heart of everything we do and we’re now looking for a Development Technologist to join our R&D team. This is a fantastic opportunity if you’re looking for a hands‑on role where you can work directly with food and build a career in product innovation.
You’ll join a close‑knit, collaborative R&D team where people genuinely work together, support each other, and share a passion for bringing new ideas to life. Working closely with experienced Development Technologists and Development Chefs, you’ll gain exposure to the full product development journey – from identifying food trends and creating kitchen samples to supporting factory trials, customer presentations and successful commercial launches.
Key Responsibilities- Supporting New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects from concept through to commercial launch
- Developing, preparing and presenting product samples in the development kitchen
- Assisting with recipe development, reformulation, product optimisation, ingredient testing and supplier evaluations
- Supporting kitchen trials, factory trials and first production runs
- Researching food trends, ingredients and market innovations to inspire new product concepts
- Participating in taste panels, benchmarking and product evaluations
- Supporting customer presentations, innovation sessions and cross‑functional project meetings
- Collaborating with Commercial, Technical, Process, Procurement and Operations teams to deliver successful product launches
- Maintaining a clean, organised and professional development kitchen
- Have a genuine passion for food, cooking and product innovation
- Enjoy creating and developing new food concepts and recipes
- Are interested in both hands‑on kitchen work and technical product development
- Are organised and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
- Have a proactive, curious and problem‑solving mindset
- Are eager to learn and develop within an international food business
- Degree, HND or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts or a related discipline or equivalent industry experience
- Strong passion for food and product development
- Good organisational and communication skills
- Computer literate
- Ability to work collaboratively across cross‑functional teams
- Experience within FMCG food manufacturing
- Commercial kitchen or foodservice experience
- Exposure to product development or food innovation
- Interest in sauces, dressings, marinades or similar food categories
- Full UK driving licence
At Solina, you’ll be part of an international and growing business where people genuinely collaborate, innovate and support each other. We combine the agility of a fast‑moving environment with the strength of a global food group, giving our teams the opportunity to make a real impact from day one.
The opportunity to work on products for leading food‑service operators and global QSR brands. Hands‑on experience across the full product development journey, from concept to commercial launch. A collaborative and supportive R&D team where you’ll learn from experienced colleagues. Get exposure to customer presentations, innovation workshops and cross‑functional projects. Receive ongoing mentoring and opportunities to learn, grow and develop your career within an international business.
Development Technologist in Elland employer: Solina
Solina is an excellent employer located in Biggleswade, offering a collaborative work culture where innovation and quality are at the forefront. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to meaningful projects that impact food safety and compliance. With a focus on teamwork across various departments, Solina fosters an environment where every team member's input is valued, making it a rewarding place to build a career in the food industry.
