Food Technologist

Enhance your Career with TVS Supply Chain Solutions

The Food Technologist would join a dynamic team of technical experts in the Defence Food Team and provide a customer-facing, technically focused service ensuring food product quality and safety is both maintained and further developed. This is a 2 year Fixed Term Contract.

Job Responsibilities

• Analyse the impact on current product ranges of the Government Buying Standards for Food (GBSF) and the Defence Requirement for Food (DRF).
• Provide recommendations on range changes resulting from GBSF and DRF.
• Work with the DRF Project Manager to develop an implementation plan for the DRF across Team Leidos managed food contracts.
• Engage with suppliers to identify, specify, and develop suitable and commercially available products.
• Engage with customers to understand acceptability of proposed product changes.
• Act as a technical expert in the Defence Food Team.
• Ensure products procured are safe, legal and compliant to the DRF.
• Provide options for innovation as part of the product review.
• Liaise with the Commercial team to ensure that pricing is in line with contractual obligations for any proposed changes.
• When required, to arrange and manage food selection panels and range reviews with suppliers and customers in accordance with relevant Contract Terms and Conditions in order to taste and select existing and new products for potential inclusion in Core Price List or within Ration Packs.
• Manage and resolve day-to-day issues with suppliers timely and effectively.
• Support the Category team with developing the sourcing strategy to meet business objectives.
• Support strategic supplier negotiations and contribute to regular contractor reviews.
• Support the Quality Assurance Manager in tender evaluations and with the development and maintenance of technical documentation.
• Attend relevant industry meetings and exhibitions and hold professional memberships to maintain and enhance technical knowledge.

Qualifications and Skills

• Qualified to HNC in a Food Science and Technology discipline or equivalent experience.
• Good working knowledge of Government Buying Standards for Food.
• Prior product development experience would be beneficial.
• Understanding and strong ability to lead Food Selection Panels.
• Ability to evaluate market changes and justify food price fluctuations.
• Ability to develop and manipulate balanced menu and nutritional requirements within commercial constraints.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet business critical deadlines through systematic organisation of priorities.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Word, Excel and databases.
• Contract management experience within the food industry sector.
• A working knowledge of supply chain end-to-end process.

In return, 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

At TVS SCS we encourage and support our employees to realise their potential. They are empowered to take initiative and achieve high impact results that really make a difference to our business and our customers.

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 take a full and active part in the selection process, please notify us as part of your application. Please note TVS Supply Chain Solutions is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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

Job Information

Job ID: 45695 Job Function: Defence Job Term: FTC Job Region: Bristol Posted Date: 14 Sep 2026

Job Location

Bristol