At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative food processes from concept to production.
- Company: Established manufacturer in the plant-based and dairy sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Food-related qualification and 3+ years in food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Zest Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with an established manufacturer in the plant-based and dairy space to recruit a Senior Process Development Technologist. This is a brilliant opportunity for a hands-on NPD professional who thrives on turning concepts into successful, efficient factory processes and who enjoys being at the heart of the action.
Reporting to the NPD Manager, you'll lead the process development stage of new product development, taking concept recipes and process methodology through bench, pilot and full plant trials. You'll aim to deliver "right first time" across quality, yield and cost, working in line with site HACCP controls.
The role:
- Lead all aspects of the NPD process stage — managing and supporting development through bench, pilot and main plant trials, with hands-on delivery
- Own trials end to end: setting up documentation, hosting pre-trial and launch meetings, and coordinating sign-off with Operations and Technical
- Take joint responsibility for trial and first-production
- Ensure blend sheets carry accurate allergen, PPE, spec and processing information to drive right-first-time delivery
- Build strong relationships with customers and act as the NPD lead for customer attendance at factory trials
- Generate trial and launch reports for internal and customer sharing, feeding feedback into final documentation and QAS
- Support the wider NPD team with day-to-day tasks
About you:
- Food-related qualification and at least 3 years' experience in a food manufacturing environment
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines
- HACCP L2/3 qualified legal labelling knowledge advantageous
- Comprehensive understanding of plant, processes and products, with a logical, methodical approach
- Confident communicator who works well cross-functionally with Technical, Operations and Quality
- Fully computer literate with good Excel skills
- Self-motivated, commercially aware and flexible on customer visits and cover
- A keen interest in food
This is a fantastic role for someone ready to take real ownership of process development within a collaborative, fast-moving team in a growing category.
Senior Process Technologist in Somerset employer: Zest Food Jobs
Join an ambitious, founder-led food and beverage manufacturer in North London as an Operations Manager, where your contributions will directly shape the future of the business. With a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, you'll enjoy significant career progression, private healthcare, and a long-term equity opportunity, all while working closely with experienced founders in a fast-paced environment that values innovation and initiative. This is a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in a growing company that prioritises quality and customer partnerships.
