Food Technologist

Ready to develop your career as a Food Technologist?

We're looking for a customer-facing, technically focused Food Technologist to join our Defence Food Team in Bristol on a 2-year FTC. You'll play a key role in ensuring food product quality and safety is maintained and further developed across Team Leidos managed food contracts. You'll work closely with suppliers, customers and the wider Defence Food Team to develop suitable products, support product reviews and ensure products are safe, legal and compliant to the Defence Requirement for Food (DRF).

What you'll be doing

• Analysing the impact on current product ranges of the Government Buying Standards for Food (GBSF) and Defence Requirement for Food (DRF).
• Providing recommendations on range changes resulting from GBSF and DRF.
• Working with the DRF Project Manager to develop an implementation plan for the DRF.
• Engaging with suppliers to identify, specify and develop suitable and commercially available products.
• Engaging with customers to understand the acceptability of proposed product changes.
• Acting as a technical expert in the Defence Food Team.
• Ensuring products procured are safe, legal and compliant to the DRF.
• Providing options for innovation as part of the product review.
• Liaising with the Commercial team to ensure pricing is in line with contractual obligations.
• Arranging and managing food selection panels and range reviews with suppliers and customers when required.
• Managing and resolving day-to-day issues with suppliers in a timely and effective manner.
• Supporting the Category team with developing the sourcing strategy to meet business objectives.

i>Supporting strategic supplier negotiations and regular contractor reviews.

• Supporting the Quality Assurance Manager in tender evaluations and technical documentation.

What we're looking for

You'll be someone who:

• Is qualified to HNC in a Food Science and Technology discipline or has equivalent experience.
• Has good working knowledge of Government Buying Standards for Food.
• Has prior product development experience (desirable).
• Has an understanding of and strong ability to lead Food Selection Panels.
• Can evaluate market changes and justify food price fluctuations.
• Can develop and manipulate balanced menu and nutritional requirements within commercial constraints.
• Has strong attention to detail and the ability to meet business-critical deadlines.
• Is proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and databases.
• Has contract management experience within the food industry sector.
• Has a working knowledge of supply chain end-to-end processes.

Why join us?

This is a great opportunity to join the Defence Food Team and use your technical expertise across a range of food products and contracts. You'll work closely with suppliers and customers, contribute to product development and innovation, and support the development of the Defence Requirement for Food.

In return for your hard work, we offer excellent career progression opportunities and a professional environment where you can acquire, use and continue developing your skills.

Your package will include:

• Competitive Salary
• Pension scheme with up to 6% employer matched contributions
• Life assurance
• 25 days holiday + 8 statutory bank holidays (of which 5 can be taken flexibly throughout the year)
• Holiday buy-back scheme (5 additional days available)
• Established hybrid working structure
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Programme supporting wellness with immediate access for you and your family to:

Virtual GP consultations and second opinions
Mental health support and counselling
Online physiotherapy
Access to CONNECTPlus long-term health condition support
Wellbeing and healthy living support

• Cycle to work scheme
• Professional Membership and Study Sponsorship
• Pass scheme (£100 per year to undertake training of your choice)
• Quarterly employee recognition awards
• Employee referral scheme with financial reward
• Benefits hub with employee retail discounts
• Discounted eye test vouchers
• Early finish Fridays

Security Clearance Requirement

Candidates must be eligible to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. This process includes verification of identity, right to work in the UK, employment history, and a basic criminal records check for unspent convictions. Please note that candidates must have resided in the UK for 3 years to meet BPSS eligibility requirements.

If you require any adjustments to allow you to take a full and active part in the selection process, please notify us as part of your application.

TVS Supply Chain Solutions is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

TVS have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a forces-friendly employer.