Overview
We are recruiting for a Development Technologist to join the UK R&D product development team. You will manage product development based projects from concept to launch and be responsible for R&D actions through the project stage gate process (PEP).
Location and Contract
Location: Market Drayton - hybrid working, average of 3 days per week on site
Contract: Permanent
Responsibilities
* Develop new or adapt existing recipes, considering quality and food safety, food law, food science, sensory requirements, nutrition targets, ingredient functionality and current recipes and production processes.
* Prepare and present innovative concept samples to internal and external partners. Propose ideas for new products.
* Regularly work in the kitchen or pilot plant area.
* Calculate nutrition tables for new recipes, review figures against nutritional targets and adapt recipes as needed.
* Keep up to date with new products and competition in the UK market. Maintain awareness of key food trends.
* Understand how this role and R&D contribute to business success. Deliver projects that meet business and customer requirements.
* Operate pilot plant independently.
* Plan, organise and control scale-up trials, coordinating with planning and production personnel.
* Organise and carry out product testing (shelf-life, organoleptic, nutrition) and shelf-life studies.
* Produce clear and complete trial reports. Maintain NPD documentation/records. Complete handover of documentation and formulations to production and assist with first productions. Train relevant production personnel on new processes or parameters.
* Source new ingredients fit for purpose; follow Muller new raw material process to gain approval and set up on IT systems.
* Build relationships with the supplier base for the product category.
* Write concise briefs to suppliers, considering cost in use targets.
* Understand HACCP principles. Ensure development work complies with relevant legislation, Muller Codes of Practice, retailer policies and brand guidelines.
* Contribute to food safety risk assessments through the NPD process. Create ingredient declarations and nutritional tables for composite products.
* Check artwork of finished products when required, considering relevant legislation and policies.
* Deliver projects on time through the Muller stage gate process (PEP) and contribute to project timeline creation.
* Complete recipe costings with the finance team as needed. Attend project meetings and escalate risks/issues to the project manager. Update stakeholders on milestones and deviations. Contribute to feasibility studies.
* Travel to other Muller manufacturing sites or third-party co-packers in the UK, as required.
Key Skills & Experience
* BSc / MSc in Food Science, Dairy Technology or related field
* Knowledge of dairy science/processing and basic nutrition
* Experience developing dairy products is desirable
* Computer literacy (MS Office, especially Excel)
* Strong problem-solving skills; analytical/numerical abilities
* Creative product development mindset with passion for food
* High self-motivation, initiative, inquisitiveness and creativity
* Effective communication and teamwork; good time management and prioritisation
* Sense of urgency and determination; attention to detail and reliability
* Ability to work with stakeholders at all levels
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Bonus scheme
* Health care package
* Contributory pension plan
* Life assurance
* Employee assistance programme
* Generous annual leave and flexible benefits programme
* Access to rewards/discounts across 800 retailers
Interested candidates should apply at www.mullercareers.co.uk
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