At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food projects from concept to market, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join one of Europe’s largest specialist food companies with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, and access to discounts and financial education.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Background in food science or technology, with experience in NPD and UK retailers preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are proud of our heritage and position as one of Europe’s largest specialist food companies, manufacturing and supplying authentic global foods which serve the chefs and owners of restaurants and takeaways, as well as a diverse range of consumers. With a strong portfolio of leading brands including Lucky Boat, Elephant Atta, Rajah, Green Dragon and Patak’s, our product range is as diverse as the people who chose to work here, and includes noodles, flour, rice, spices, sauces and oils. We pride ourselves on our passion for food and people, where collaboration, diversity, and inclusion are integral in everything that we do. This is underpinned with our employee resource groups where members and allies help create an inclusive environment and special events are celebrated. Westmill is a place where no one feels like the new person for long and everyone has the chance to make a real difference to the business by being their authentic selves.
Overview Of Role
You will play a key role in bringing innovative food products from concept to market, working closely with UK retailers, B2B and industrial customers to build strong relationships and deliver commercially competitive solutions. You will lead and support NPD projects end-to-end, conducting ingredient testing, factory trials, benchmarking and analysis to ensure products meet customer, legal and quality standards, while mitigating supply chain risk. Collaborating with cross‑functional teams, suppliers and stakeholders, you will combine market insight, technical expertise and strong project management to drive innovation, enhance customer engagement and contribute to business growth, all while maintaining a hands‑on presence in both the development kitchen and factory environment.
The Right Person
You will be a passionate and commercially minded food professional, ideally with a background in food science, food technology or nutrition, or equivalent experience developed within an NPD environment. Experience working with UK retailers and delivering private label NPD projects would be advantageous. You bring a genuine love of food, a keen curiosity for trends and ingredients, and the ability to turn insight into successful, market‑ready products. Highly organised and proactive, you can manage multiple projects at pace while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. You communicate clearly and build strong, collaborative relationships with customers, colleagues and suppliers. Equally comfortable working hands‑on in a kitchen or factory environment as you are analysing data, you combine technical understanding with strong stakeholder management and a drive to make things happen and deliver results.
Benefits
- A competitive salary
- ABF Pension Scheme membership
- An annual Incentive Plan
- Private Healthcare
- Free and confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to affordable loans and financial education
- Electric vehicle and cycle to work salary sacrifice schemes
- Option to buy additional holidays
- A day dedicated to volunteering in your local community
- Access to our benefits platform
- Extra Spice from day one, offering a huge variety of retail and leisure discounts
Lead Development Technologist - Fixed Term Contract employer: Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc
Westmill, part of Associated British Foods plc, is an excellent employer that prioritises the wellbeing and growth of its employees in Manchester. With a strong focus on collaboration and inclusion, we offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive pension scheme, and various wellbeing benefits, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally in a supportive work environment.
Contact Details:
Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Development Technologist - Fixed Term Contract
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Development Technologist - Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
