At a Glance
- Tasks: Review and approve raw material specifications while ensuring food safety compliance.
- Company: Join Zertus UK & Ireland, a leader in food manufacturing and innovation.
- Benefits: Gain funded qualifications, enjoy 25 days holiday, and access healthcare cash plans.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Perfect for detail-oriented individuals eager to specialise in food safety and compliance.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing or quality roles is preferred; strong attention to detail is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Build a career in food safety, compliance and technical excellence. Are you naturally curious, highly organised and someone who enjoys getting the details right? We're looking for a Raw Materials Technologist to join our Technical team. This could be the perfect opportunity for someone already working in food manufacturing, quality, technical or specifications roles who is looking to specialise in food compliance and supplier approval. We don't expect you to know everything already – we're looking for someone with the right attitude, attention to detail and desire to learn.
Position type: Full time, permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Salary: up to £30,000 per annum
Location: Kinnerton Confectionery Fakenham Site (Norfolk)
Closing Date: 14/08/2026
Responsibilities:
- Review and approve raw material specifications.
- Support the supplier approval process for new and existing suppliers.
- Assess materials against food safety, customer and legal requirements.
- Maintain accurate data and specifications within technical systems.
- Work closely with Procurement, Technical, NPD and suppliers.
- Support compliance with HACCP, allergens, traceability and food legislation.
- Help manage schemes including SEDEX, Rainforest Alliance and RSPO.
- Investigate specification queries and support continuous improvement activities.
Qualifications:
- Experience within food manufacturing preferred.
- Previous quality, technical, specifications or compliance exposure beneficial.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Comfortable reviewing detailed information and making decisions.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Genuine interest in food safety, compliance and food legislation.
Rewards & Benefits:
- Gain your HACCP & Food Safety L3 qualifications, fully funded by Zertus, with the potential to progress onto a food technologist qualification in the future.
- 25 days annual holiday entitlement.
- 4% employer and 5% employee pension plan.
- Life assurance plan x4 basic salary.
- Various salary sacrifice schemes including pension payments, cycle to work and electric car (subject to meeting minimum criteria).
- Healthcare cash plan via paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling) with a value over £400 each year.
Zertus UK & Ireland comprises three companies – Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery, and Lir Chocolates. Our expertise spans the manufacturing of a diverse range of snacks and chocolates, with multiple facilities and offices strategically positioned throughout the UK and Ireland. With a commitment to innovation, we strive to craft products that captivate and delight our customers. Our talented teams have created a growing portfolio of our own famous brands including NOMO, Sun Valley Nuts, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, as well as collaborations with Bailey's, Guinness and Budweiser! As the UK & Irish division of Zertus GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg and boasting a workforce of over 2000 employees across Europe, we are part of a dynamic and expansive global network.
Zertus UK&I is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.
Raw Material Technologist in Fakenham employer: Zertus-UK-
Zertus UK & Ireland is an excellent employer for those looking to build a career in food safety and compliance, offering a supportive work culture that values curiosity and attention to detail. Employees benefit from fully funded qualifications, generous holiday entitlement, and a comprehensive healthcare cash plan, all while working in a dynamic environment that fosters professional growth and innovation. Located in the picturesque Norfolk area, the Kinnerton Confectionery site provides a unique opportunity to be part of a diverse team dedicated to crafting delightful products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Raw Material Technologist in Fakenham
✨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 Zertus-UK-.
✨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 Zertus-UK-!
✨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 Zertus-UK-, 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 Zertus-UK-, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Raw Material Technologist in Fakenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zertus-UK-, 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 Zertus-UK-.
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 Zertus-UK-. 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 Zertus-UK-. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus-UK-
✨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 Zertus-UK-’s mission.
