Process Technologist

Location & Working Pattern

Location: LondonWorking Pattern: Monday - Friday

Overview

Passionate about food and want to play a hands on role in turning new product concepts into successful, repeatable production?We’re working with a well trusted client food manufacturer looking to appoint a Process Technologist to join its NPD team.This role is hands on and supports the development journey from initial concept through production trials, launch and post-launch, making sure new food can be produced consistently, efficiently and to the required quality standards.Whilst having a strong presence within the kitchen, a major part of the role will be leading production trials - making sure everyone is aligned, objectives are clear, trials are properly planned and the resulting product meets the agreed quality and sign-off standards.

Why this role?

This is much more than a documentation or NPD support position.You’ll lead production trials, organise validations, run tastings and provide clear recommendations following each trial. You’ll then continue supporting products through launch and into post‑launch, helping production and technical teams maintain the required quality.There’s also a strong problem‑solving element to the role. When production or process issues arise, you’ll be involved in understanding what has happened, identifying root causes and helping implement practical solutions.For someone who enjoys being close to food, people and manufacturing, it offers the opportunity to develop broad experience across NPD, process technology, food quality, manufacturing trials and continuous improvement.

What will you be doing?

You’ll support the NPD/EPD & Process Manager throughout the development process, including:

• Leading production trials and ensuring all stakeholders are aligned throughout each stage of the project.
• Planning trials against agreed critical paths and working closely with Planning to ensure the required resources and timings are in place.
• Leading pre and post trial meetings and ensuring effective cross‑functional engagement.
• Setting clear objectives for each trial and communicating recommendations, outcomes and next steps.
• Organising and completing product validations including organoleptic, cooking, freezer and transit testing.
• Ensuring product costings are accurate and updated on P74 throughout development.

About the business

Our client is an established food business with a strong focus on developing and producing high-quality food products.The NPD team works across chefs, technologists and wider business functions to take new concepts from development through to successful operational launch.This Process Technologist role is a key part of that journey, ensuring that new products are not only great from a food perspective, but can also be validated, produced consistently and delivered successfully within the manufacturing environment.The role also gives you the opportunity to work with a broad range of teams including Head of Food, Development Chefs, Technical, Production, Procurement and Supply Chain.

Essential

• Experience working within either NPD or EPD programmes.
• Previous experience within food manufacturing.
• Experience within chilled meals would be advantageous.
• HACCP Level 2.
• Food Technology, Food Science or a similar degree.
• Experience supporting or leading production trials.
• Strong understanding of food quality and manufacturing processes.
• Good analytical and problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and a highly accurate approach to documentation and systems.

Desirable

• Experience taking products from NPD through production trials and into launch.
• Experience with shelf life, cooking, freezer or transit validations.
• Experience with P74 and/or Syspro.
• Having previously worked with food quality audits and BRC requirements.
• Experience in process improvement or continuous improvement.
• Experience investigating material variance, process issues or production quality problems.
• Experience delivering training to production or technical teams.

What’s in it for you?

• £35,000 salary plus bonus & benefits.
• A hands‑on role covering the full journey from concept through trials, launch and post‑launch.
• Significant exposure to food manufacturing, process technology, quality and NPD.
• The opportunity to lead production trials and directly influence how new products are manufactured.
• A varied role combining food development with problem solving, process improvement and operational support.
• The opportunity to develop your project management and stakeholder management skills.
• The chance to work on new food products and see your work progress from development kitchen through to production.
• A role where you can make a visible contribution to food quality and manufacturing performance.

Eligibility and Conditions

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.