Overview:
Process Technologist
Humdinger, Heckington NG34 9JH
Are you passionate about turning kitchen concepts into factory-ready products without compromising on quality? We're looking for a hands-on, detail-driven Process Technologist to join our dynamic team in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. In this role, you'll be the technical bridge between NPD and Operations - scaling up recipes, running factory trials and driving process improvements that deliver excellence in taste, texture and efficiency.
Position type: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 37.5
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Pay range: £30,000 - £34,000
Breaks: 30 minutes unpaid
Additional Flexibility Required:
To support operational needs, occasional flexibility is required:
* Early Morning Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, once a week (for factory trials)
* Night Shift: 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM, once a month (for training sessions)
Responsibilities:
As a Process Technologist, you'll play a vital role in scaling up new products from kitchen to factory, ensuring they meet quality, safety and customer expectations. Your day-to-day will include:
* Scale-Up & Trials: Collaborate with NPD to adapt recipes for large-scale production. Plan and run factory trials, fine-tuning processes to achieve consistent quality and efficiency.
* Process Optimisation: Drive improvements in waste reduction and line performance. Support CI and Lean initiatives using data-driven insights.
* Quality & Compliance: Ensure all products meet food safety, legal and retailer standards. Liaise with QA and Technical teams to maintain audit readiness.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with NPD, Engineering, Supply Chain and Operations to deliver successful product launches.
* Documentation & Control: Maintain accurate process specs, SOPs and trial records. Ensure consistent batch production and support audit documentation.
* Problem Solving: Investigate and resolve production issues quickly and effectively, using data to inform decisions.
* Health & Safety: Promote safe working practices and support site-wide H&S improvements.
Qualifications:
* Experience in manufacturing (Technical, Production, or Development) or a relevant graduate background.
* Knowledge of QA principles, food safety (Level 2+), and strong attention to detail.
* Strong communicator with excellent organisation, time management and teamwork skills.
* Confident problem-solver, comfortable with data, process improvement and CI tools.
* Health & Safety aware, proficient in Microsoft Office; roasting/frying experience is a bonus.
Rewards Benefits:
* 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
* 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
About Us:
At Humdinger, we transform coco, nuts, seeds, fruit, and pulses into delectable snacks and chocolates for both our in-house label and renowned branded ranges. With a robust and continually growing portfolio, we've earned compliments for our commitment to quality and continuous product innovation. You might have enjoyed our products before, perhaps without even realising it
Application & Interview Process:
Please apply online via our careers portal: create your account, upload your CV, and answer all requested questions. You will then be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team and, if progressed, enter a two stage interview process at our Heckington site, including a factory tour and the opportunity to meet the team.
Humdinger 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.