Graduate/Junior Development Technologist

Graduate/Junior Development Technologist

Full-Time 26500 - 28000 £ / year (est.) On-site
The Flava People

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Get hands-on in the kitchen, experimenting with flavours and creating exciting food products.
  • Company: Join The Flava People, a vibrant food manufacturer passionate about flavour innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, healthcare benefits, and monthly foodie events.
  • Other info: Be part of a fun, down-to-earth team where your ideas are valued.
  • Why this job: Kick-start your career in food innovation and see your creations come to life.
  • Qualifications: A qualification in Food Science or related field and a genuine passion for food.

The predicted salary is between 26500 - 28000 £ per year.

Got a passion for food and a hunger to kick-start your career? We're looking for our next flavour fanatic to join The Flava People! We're not your average food manufacturer. We're flavour creators, food explorers and big believers that food should never be boring. From supermarket shelves to restaurant menus, we work with some seriously exciting flavours and brands, including Hello Fresh, Tesco, Aldi, Guinness and YO! And now we're looking for someone to join our development team and help bring the next big flavours to life.

SO, WHAT'S COOKING? This isn't a job where you'll spend all day staring at spreadsheets or watching from the sidelines. You'll be right in the thick of it, getting hands-on in our development kitchen, experimenting with flavours and helping turn ideas into products that people actually want to eat. You'll be:

  • Getting creative in the kitchen – making samples, building recipes, testing flavours and bringing customer briefs to life.
  • Making it happen – preparing and sending samples, supporting product submissions and keeping projects and our kitchen moving.
  • Learning the science behind the flavour – from ingredient selection to recipe creation.
  • Showing off the good stuff – supporting customer presentations, product demonstrations and cook-ups.
  • Keeping your finger on the food pulse – keeping up to speed with the latest social food trends and product launches.
  • Getting stuck into EVERYTHING – from sourcing ingredients in the factory to keeping our development kitchen clean, organised and ready for action.

Because great food innovation isn't all glamorous tasting sessions. Sometimes it's washing up, weighing ingredients and making sure every little detail is spot on!

HAVE YOU GOT THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS? You might be fresh out of university, recently finished college or looking for your first proper step into the food industry. We're not expecting you to know everything. We're far more interested in your attitude, enthusiasm and potential. You'll bring:

  • A qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Innovation, Food & Nutrition or something similar.
  • A genuine obsession with food, flavours and what's happening in the food world.
  • Some previous work experience, whether that's a placement year, part-time job, hospitality, retail or something completely different.
  • Confidence to speak up, share ideas and get involved in meetings and customer presentations.
  • A practical, organised approach and the ability to juggle a few things when the kitchen gets busy.
  • A willingness to roll your sleeves up and get the job done, whatever that involves.
  • A positive attitude, a good work ethic and a real appetite to learn.

Had some exposure to food manufacturing, recipe costings or NPD during your studies or placement? Brilliant! Haven't? Don't panic. If you've got the right attitude and the passion, we want to hear from you.

WHAT'S ON THE MENU FOR YOU? £26,500 – £28,000, depending on experience 25 days' holiday plus your birthday off Healthcare benefits and pension Monthly foodie events and a fun, down-to-earth team A fantastic opportunity to learn, develop and build your career in food innovation The chance to work with exciting brands and see your creations make their way into the real world And most importantly? You'll be joining a family-owned business where ideas are welcomed, people get stuck in and there's always something exciting cooking.

SOUND LIKE YOUR FLAVOUR? If you're curious, creative, confident and genuinely love food, we want to meet you. You bring the passion. We'll help you develop the skills. Send your CV and tell us a little bit about why food gets you excited!

Graduate/Junior Development Technologist employer: The Flava People

The Flava People is an exceptional employer for Machine Operators and Sauce Cooks, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates passion for food and teamwork. Located in Wythenshawe, South Manchester, we provide flexible working arrangements, competitive pay, and numerous employee incentives such as the Flava of The Month Awards and seasonal treats, ensuring our team feels valued and motivated. With opportunities for growth and development in a family-run business environment, we are dedicated to nurturing talent and making work enjoyable.

The Flava People

Contact Details:

The Flava People Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate/Junior Development Technologist

✨Join Food Science Communities

Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like The Flava People.

✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops

Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from The Flava People!

✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech

Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like The Flava People, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.

✨Leverage University Career Services

If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at The Flava People, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate/Junior Development Technologist

Communication Skills
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Teamwork
Time Management
Flexibility
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at The Flava People, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!

Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at The Flava People.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to The Flava People. Make it personal and compelling!

Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at The Flava People. It shows you're committed to your professional development.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Flava People

✨Know Your Lab Tech!

Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.

✨Show Off Your Project Experience

Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.

✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills

Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!

✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to The Flava People’s mission.