Job Description R&D (Research and Development) Technician Gateshead (with occasional travel and overnight stay in Norwich) Working Monday to Friday 9-5 Salary between £25000 and £28000 Depending on skills and experience Valeo Foods at Team Valley, Gateshead are seeking an enthusiastic R&D Technician to join our Innovation and Marketing team. This role is central to supporting the development of new snack products across our branded and retailer own-brand ranges. You will be involved from concept stage through to process handover, ensuring products meet quality, safety, legal, and cost standards while being delivered on time. The position is primarily based at our Gateshead snack site, with occasional travel and overnight stays required at our Norwich snack sites. Key Responsibilities Support the R&D team in developing new products and changes to existing products. Collaborate with Insights, Brands, Procurement, Technical, and Operations teams to ensure innovation aligns with consumer and customer insight. Engage with internal brand teams, retailer customers, and suppliers through meetings and site visits. Promote a foodie culture within the NPD team and wider business. Manage R&D sample requests: receipting, recording, preparing, labelling, packing, and arranging deliveries. Prepare product concept samples in the R&D kitchen, including flavouring and seasoning trials. Collect product bases from production lines and coordinate bulk supplies with seasoning suppliers. Prepare nutritional samples and arrange testing with technical teams. Evaluate new seasonings using cup & flow test methods, recording and sharing results. Collect raw materials, packaging, and finished products from factories and warehouses to maintain inventory supply. Attend and support pre-production trials and first productions alongside process and operations teams. Complete and record R&D documentation in line with development procedures. Conduct store checks, purchase competitor samples, and benchmark products. Maintain high hygiene standards in the NPD kitchen and storage areas.