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- Tasks: Support R&D team in launching new food products and conducting trials.
- Company: Join Valeo Foods UK, a leader in confectionery innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting food innovations 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.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
York based with occasional travel to other Valeo Sites. Working Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm. Salary £***** to £***** depending on skills and experience.
Are you curious, hands-on, and passionate about food? We are 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.
- 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
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 £*********** 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
Contact Detail:
Valeo Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Technician in York
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those working in R&D. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your love for food innovation and any relevant experiences. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Valeo Foods and their products. Familiarise yourself with their R&D processes and think of ways you can contribute. Tailoring your answers to align with their values will show that you’re a great fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Valeo Foods family. So, get your application in and let’s make some sweet things happen!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Technician in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're 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 unless it's relevant. 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 – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valeo Foods
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the ingredients and processes relevant to the R&D Technician role. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage ingredient inventory and support trials, as this shows your hands-on approach and passion for food innovation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully interacted with team members or stakeholders in previous roles, highlighting your ability to work across all levels of a business.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Bring examples that showcase your organisational skills and attention to detail. Discuss how you’ve maintained high standards in previous roles, especially in food manufacturing or product development, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Embrace Change and Adaptability
Prepare to discuss situations where you've had to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your willingness to learn and develop, as well as your positive attitude towards embracing change, which is crucial for success in the dynamic world of R&D.
