At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects and ensure seamless product launches in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Matthew Walker, the home of the nation's favourite Christmas puddings.
- Benefits: Enjoy a matched pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, and more perks.
- Other info: Be part of a proud heritage brand with opportunities for growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on products enjoyed by millions while shaping innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG, strong project management skills, and a degree in Food Science preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
- Senior Process Technologist
- Matthew Walker – Heanor
- Monday to Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm
Matthew Walker, home of the nation’s favourite Christmas puddings, is looking for an experienced and driven Senior Process Technologist to join our team in Heanor.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in bringing new and improved products to life, shaping innovation, and ensuring our delicious creations reach customers with excellence every time.
If you thrive on cross‑functional collaboration, love turning concepts into reality, and enjoy leading process improvements that make a real impact, this role offers the perfect blend of challenge and reward.
What You’ll Be Doing
As Senior Process Technologist, you’ll take ownership of the full process journey — from concept approval to successful launch.
You’ll be the key link between Process, Operations, NPD, and our customers, ensuring every product transition is seamless, efficient, and delivered to the highest standard.
- Key Accountabilities
- Lead cross‑functional teams to deliver all private label and branded NPD/EPD projects on time and in full.
- Champion innovation, bringing new technologies and process solutions into the business.
- Identify and drive operational improvements that enhance quality and reduce cost.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development to the process team, setting clear objectives and supporting growth.
- Establish and maintain robust processes and procedures to guarantee successful product launches.
- Manage and optimise factory trials, ensuring all new products are thoroughly tested before launch.
- Coordinate the introduction of new recipes and materials into production.
- Create and maintain an effective handover process with Operations.
- Lead CI meetings and ensure structured project plans are in place.
- Take ownership of customer pre‑production and launch activity, ensuring a smooth and confident delivery.
- Key Tasks
- Coordinate and run factory trials with clear communication and documentation.
- Provide samples for customers and internal stakeholders.
- Work with suppliers and procurement to source trial ingredients.
- Supply accurate information for internal specifications and ensure all products have up‑to‑date documentation.
- Ensure recipes handed to the factory include full batching and production details.
- Hold handover meetings with Production/QA where required.
- Ensure all trial, hold, taste panel and document control procedures are followed correctly.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and product quality.
- Support troubleshooting of day‑to‑day process and product issues on site.
Qualifications
What You’ll Bring
Qualifications & Knowledge
- Experience in FMCG or a similar fast‑paced manufacturing environment, including at least experience managing and developing teams.
- Strong project management capability, with a track record of delivering complex, cross‑functional projects.
- A degree in Food Science or a related discipline is preferred, though equivalent experience will also be considered.
- Qualities & Experience
- Exceptional planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Confident communicator with excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
- A natural leader who inspires, motivates and supports others to achieve their best.
- Skilled at building strong relationships across teams, functions and external partners.
- Meticulous attention to detail and a diligent approach to documentation and process control.
- Strong problem‑solving ability, with a proactive mindset and a drive to deliver results.
- Highly organised, adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.
- Additional Information
What we offer you in return
- Matched pension scheme up to 10%
- Death in service
- Cycle to work scheme
• And plenty more!
Why Join Us?
At Matthew Walker, you’ll be part of a proud heritage brand with a passion for quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
You’ll work with talented teams, have the freedom to influence change, and play a key role in delivering products enjoyed by millions.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your process career and want to make a meaningful impact in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you.
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Senior Process Technologist in Heanor employer: Valeo Foods Group
At Valeo, we prioritise sustainability as a fundamental aspect of our operations, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about driving meaningful change. Located in Holborn, London, our hybrid work model fosters a collaborative environment while offering opportunities for international travel, ensuring that employees can engage with diverse teams and initiatives. We are committed to employee growth, providing a platform for you to lead impactful projects that contribute to our climate agenda and align with your professional aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Process Technologist in Heanor
✨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 Valeo Foods Group.
✨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 Valeo Foods Group!
✨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 Valeo Foods Group, 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 Valeo Foods Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Process Technologist in Heanor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Valeo Foods Group, 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 Valeo Foods Group.
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 Valeo Foods Group. 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 Valeo Foods Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Valeo Foods Group
✨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 Valeo Foods Group’s mission.
