R&D Technician in Gateshead

Company Description

At Valeo Foods UK, we\’re the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity. Our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it\’s the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.

Job Description

R&D (Research and Development) Technician – Gateshead (with occasional travel and overnight stay in Norwich). Working Monday to Friday 8-4. Salary between £25000 and £28000 depending on skills and experience.

Are you curious, hands‑on, and passionate about food? We’re looking for someone to step into a key role as R&D Technician in our sweets Innovation team, based at Team Valley, Gateshead. This role is central to supporting the development of new snack products across our branded and retailer own‑brand ranges. You will be involved from concept stage through to process handover, ensuring products meet quality, safety, legal, and cost standards while being delivered on time.

The R&D Technician is responsible for supporting the R&D Team to achieve successful launch of new products for both brand and ROB, adhering to all customer requirements (for both our internal Branded products and external retailer own‑brand (ROB) as the product briefs dictate). Additionally, this role will support the assessment of products over shelf life and record product attributes through a shelf‑life testing regime for new or existing product launches on the database as well as the maintenance of all internal documentation as appropriate to adhere to our R&D procedures.

Responsibilities

• R&D Academy Support
  • Prepare for R&D Academy trials, including ingredient information gathering, approval processes, and loading data into internal systems.
  • Manage ingredient inventory: ordering, labelling, logging in the R&D database, replenishing stock, and organising disposal.
  • Order and track new raw materials for trials.
  • Gather raw materials from inventory and factory areas, including weighing and preparing ingredients.
  • Support the execution of Academy trials and operate Academy equipment as required.
  • Produce samples for R&D projects and ensure full clean‑down after trials.
• Post‑Trial Activities
  • Pack and label samples for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Organise physical and chemical product testing and characterisation.
  • Ship samples to customers and internal teams.
  • Organise and run tastings, shelf‑life testing, and through‑life evaluations, documenting results and preparing reports.
  • Arrange nutritional testing, ship samples, and record results.
  • Benchmark market products, maintaining detailed records, photographs, and data.
  • Support the R&D team with preparation and setup for customer visits.
• Factory Trial Support
  • Assist with planning, preparation, and execution of factory trials across any of our six confectionery sites.
  • Carry out post‑trial activities including sample packing, labelling, testing coordination, and reporting.
  • Support tastings, shelf‑life testing, and nutritional testing following factory trials.
• Other Responsibilities
  • Conduct store checks for research purposes and purchase raw materials or competitor products for benchmarking.
  • Maintain high hygiene standards and housekeeping across the R&D kitchen and storage areas.
  • Provide general administrative support to the R&D team and assist with ad‑hoc duties as required.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing, ideally within new product development or R&D environment (desired but not essential).
• Familiarity with food process technologies and their application (desired but not essential).
• Strong communication skills — written, verbal, and presentation.
• Ability to interact successfully across all levels of the business.
• Proficiency in key IT applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Full, clean driving licence.
• Passion for food and a genuine interest in food‑related innovation.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organisational skills.
• Flexible, forward‑thinking, and able to adapt in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Positive, willing attitude with a desire a “Personal Best” mindset.
• Good team player with adaptability to operate at all levels of the organisation.
• Numerate and commercially aware.
• Ability to embrace change and contribute to continuous improvement.

What we offer you in return

• Salary between £25000 and £28000 depending on skills and experience.
• Working Monday to Friday 8 – 4.
• Excellent Career Opportunities.
• Matched pension scheme.
• Death in service.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Retailer discount platform.
• Staff discount.
• And plenty more.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Research

Industries

Food Production