Senior Process Technologist in Heanor

At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettles bold crunch to Rowses natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation. Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UKs largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week. As a business, we're on a journey of transformation. We're strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It's an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK.

Matthew Walker, home of the nations 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

• Complete shelf-life testing, micro assessments, reheats, taste panels, photo standards, trial reports, nutritional data, batching, BOMs, cook times, ERHs and Promtek updates.
• 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

• A minimum of 5 years experience in FMCG or a similar fast-paced manufacturing environment, including at least 3 years managing and developing teams.
• HACCP Level 3 qualification (desirable).
• 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

• Excellent Career Opportunities
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount
• 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.