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- Tasks: Support R&D team in launching new food products and conducting trials.
- Company: Join Valeo Foods UK, a family of beloved food brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, staff discounts, and pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative food development and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent opportunities for learning and development.
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. Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britains most loved brands.
Job Description
R&D (Research and Development) Technician
York based with occasional travel to other Valeo Sites
Working Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm
Salary £25000 to £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 our York site, with occasional travel and overnight stays at our other sites.
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.
Our R&D Technicians support our R&D Academy by ensuring trials run smoothly, ingredients are managed efficiently, and high-quality samples are produced. Your key responsibilities will include:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Our R&D Technician will have:
- 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 to learn and develop, demonstrating 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.
Additional Information
What we offer you in return:
- Salary of £25000-28000 depending on skills and experience
- Monday to Friday 8-4
- Excellent Career Opportunities
- Matched pension scheme up to 10%
- Death in service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Retailer discount platform
- Staff discount
- And plenty more!
If you're ready to make your mark in the snack world, apply now! We're excited to meet you and welcome you to the Valeo Foods UK family. Come taste success with us at Valeo Foods UK!
R&D Technician in York employer: Valeo Foods UK
Contact Detail:
Valeo Foods UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Technician in York
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Valeo Foods UK and their brands. Understanding their values and products will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to R&D roles. Think about how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, and be ready to share examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Technician in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences or projects that highlight your curiosity and hands-on approach to food innovation. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the R&D Technician role. This shows us that you've done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valeo Foods UK
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the ingredients and processes relevant to the R&D Technician role. Be prepared to discuss how different ingredients can affect product development and shelf life. This shows your passion for food and innovation, which is key for Valeo Foods.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a team player, it's important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past experiences where you worked in a team to achieve a common goal, especially in a fast-paced environment. This will resonate well with the company's culture.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific tasks, like managing ingredient inventory or conducting shelf-life tests. Think through these scenarios beforehand and be ready to explain your thought process and any relevant experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the R&D Academy or the types of products you'll be working on. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
