At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to innovate and develop delicious, sustainable biscuits.
- Company: Fox's Burton's Company, a leader in the UK's biscuit industry.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to various R&D functions.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in food science with exciting projects and a supportive graduate cohort.
- Qualifications: Recent Food Science or Product Development graduate eager to learn and grow.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
As a graduate at Fox's Burton's Company (FBC UK), you’ll gain hands‑on experience across various departments, mentorship from industry leaders, and the chance to work on exciting projects within the R&D function. With support and guidance from our Learning Team, Line Managers, and working as part of an ambitious graduate cohort, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills in a company that has a rich heritage and a passion for crafting some of the UK's most beloved biscuits.
If you are passionate about making a difference, eager to learn, and excited to be part of a company that combines tradition with innovation, FBC UK is the perfect place for you to start your professional journey.
Join us on the R&D graduate scheme where the successful candidates will initially complete a company induction as part of the 2026 FBC UK graduate cohort, before beginning the 12‑month programme. The programme provides exposure to all areas of R&D at FBC UK, including Innovation, Test Bakery, and Industrialisation.
The role offers experience across Branded, Retail Own Brand, and Eco System activities, with a strong focus on cross‑functional collaboration to support the development and launch of new concepts. You will work hands‑on with the R&D team to enhance understanding of market activity, set up sensory profiling, and develop products to support sustainable nutrition initiatives.
Main Responsibilities- Product Taste Panels: Support weekly taste panels to evaluate product performance throughout development and trial phases. Panel management (set up and clean down). Collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to generate reports. Issue findings to stakeholders.
- Market Benchmarking Panels: Support annual programme of panels required. Panel management (set up, replenishment and clean down). Collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to generate reports and present findings.
- Product Observatory: Manage central library of new FBC UK and market launches. Sample storage and shelf‑life evaluation. Collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to generate reports and present findings.
- Sustainable Nutrition: Support development of sustainable nutrition plans by brand and retail brand. Research and analysis of health and nutrition trends. Maintain FBC UK nutrition database. Develop health‑focused biscuits using scientific knowledge to improve existing products or develop new ones. Working with cross‑functional teams, including marketing, production, and engineering, to align technical developments with business goals.
- Be a recent graduate with a relevant Food Science or Product Development degree, seeking to acquire experience, practice, skills and exposure.
- Have an interest in the FMCG sector with a strong desire to learn in a fast‑paced commercial environment.
- Attention to detail is a must as are strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
- Strong planning and prioritization skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
- Curious with strong analytical skills and an ability to transform data into insights into actions.
- Self‑motivated, confident with a can‑do attitude.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships and engage with different stakeholders (internally and externally).
R&D Graduate: Food Science & Product Innovation employer: TargetJobs UK
At Fox's Burton's Company, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture and prioritises employee growth. Our R&D Graduate programme offers hands-on experience, mentorship from industry leaders, and the opportunity to collaborate on innovative projects in a supportive environment, all while contributing to the development of beloved products that resonate with consumers. Join us in a location steeped in heritage, where your passion for food science can flourish alongside a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Graduate: Food Science & Product Innovation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at FBC UK on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the R&D Graduate role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to food science and product innovation. Think about how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for sustainable nutrition! Research current trends and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to FBC UK's goals. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Graduate: Food Science & Product Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for food science and product innovation shine through in your application. We want to see how excited you are about making a difference in the FMCG sector!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. We love seeing how your background fits into our R&D function, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the graduate scheme. Be genuine, share your story, and connect your goals with what we do at FBC UK.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Food Science and Product Development knowledge. Familiarise yourself with current trends in the FMCG sector, especially around sustainable nutrition. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your Excel and PowerPoint skills in detail. Bring examples of how you've used these tools in your studies or previous experiences. If you can, create a mini presentation about a relevant project you've worked on – it’ll demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and think critically.
✨Be Ready for Data Discussions
Since the role involves collecting and analysing data, be prepared to talk about your experience with data interpretation. Think of specific instances where you transformed data into actionable insights. This will highlight your analytical skills and your ability to contribute to the R&D team.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, show your eagerness to learn and collaborate. Ask insightful questions about the company’s projects and culture. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you build rapport with the interviewers, making you a memorable candidate.
