Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods. ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries. It has significant businesses in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market-leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon.
We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson’s, Bürgen and Sunblest. You’ll know us best through our white, wholemeal and seeded market-leading loaves, as well as Kingsmill 50/50, the nation’s favourite Healthier White, and our delicious pancakes, crumpets, hot cross buns and other bakery products.
The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team. We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively. We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry.
Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. Supporting some of our well-known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.
If you’re looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we’d love to hear from you.
Overview Of Role
📍 Location: Allied Technical Centre, Maidenhead
🕒 Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday (Day shift)
💰 Salary: Competitive
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Allied Technical Centre (ATC) at Allied Milling and Baking as a Scientific Assistant on a 6-month fixed term contract.
Working at our Maidenhead Head Office, you will join a specialist group of five supporting our Cereals, Milling & Baking Science function. Reporting to the Head of Cereals, Milling & Baking Science, this role offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience within the food industry.
The team plays a key role in analysing cereal grains, flour and baked products, supporting the quality and development of products across the business.
This role would suit someone with an interest in science or food who is keen to develop practical experience in a laboratory environment and learn from a highly experienced team.
Key Accountabilities
You will:
* Support laboratory activities within the Cereals, Milling & Baking Science team
* Carry out analysis of cereal grains, flour and baked products, with a focus on wheat testing and pilot flour milling
* Manage sample administration and tracking
* Record and maintain accurate laboratory data to support traceability and quality standards
* Ensure all analysis is carried out in line with laboratory methods and procedures
* Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Milling & Baking Science team
* Maintain a clean, safe and organised laboratory environment
* Support the team in delivering work to agreed priorities and deadlines
* Participate in a weekend rota for shelf-life testing (typically one short session every 2–3 weeks)
The role is primarily laboratory based, with approximately 80% laboratory bench work and 20% desk-based activities.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic about science and keen to learn in a hands-on environment.
You Will Ideally Have
* A qualification in a science subject (such as A-Level or equivalent), or relevant experience gained in a laboratory, food or technical environment
* Good IT and organisational skills
* Attention to detail and accurate record keeping
* Good written and verbal communication skills
* The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
* A willingness to learn laboratory techniques and follow established procedures
Working Environment
This is a laboratory-based role involving bench work and periods of standing while carrying out testing and analysis.
You will be working as part of a small specialist group within the Allied Technical Centre, supporting laboratory activities related to cereal grains, flour and baked product analysis.
Benefits
✨ Time Off – 25 days annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays)- Pro rata for FTC
🩺 Health & Wellbeing Support –Simplyhealth healthcare cash plan, eye care & more
🔐 Pension & Life Assurance – Up to 10% employer contributions
🛍️ Retail Discounts – Save on 500+ major retailers
📚 Learning & Development – Career progression and upskilling opportunities
💸 Financial Wellbeing Support – Tools, advice, and access to affordable loans
🚴♂️ Green Benefits – Save on electric cars and bikes
🎉 Recognition & Rewards – Celebrate your milestones and achievements
❤️ Charitable Giving – Support Save the Children via payroll giving
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