Job Description
Job Overview
The Process Technologist role focuses on development, optimisation and validation of thermal processing (retort) to ensure food safety, product quality and regulatory compliance.
Working cross functionally with the NPD, Technical and Production team, working on briefs and business driven projects
Supporting NPD team up scaling recipes from kitchen to factory.
Being part of continuous improvement projects to improve efficiency, safety and quality of products.
This role is the bridge between NPD, Quality and manufacturing teams
Duties
Carry out a feasibility study with key stakeholders on new product briefs.
Support the development and scale-up of new products, from kitchen to full scale production.
Monitor and optimise production processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste and maintain product quality.
Assist in the commissioning of new equipment or production lines.
Create and maintain process documentation, including trial reports, SOPs & production specifications
Work with suppliers to ensure suitability of raw materials
Support technical risk assessments and hazard analysis for new processes
Organise and attend factory trials and ensure output of the trial is documented and communicated to the business.
In depth knowledge of thermal processing to aid with development and factory trials.
Design, develop, and optimize thermal processing parameters for new and existing food products.
Conduct heat penetration and temperature distribution studies to validate thermal processes.
Ensure thermal processes meet food safety and shelf-life requirements, in compliance with local and international regulations.
Work closely with cross-functional teams to implement validated processes.
Work closely with cross-functional teams including NPD, Technical, Manufacturing, procurement & packaging.
Maintain and improve thermal processing documentation, including thermal process schedules and CCPs.
Conduct thermal process risk assessments and assist with HACCP plans.
Collaborate with regulatory and food safety teams to prepare documentation for audits and approvals.
Troubleshoot thermal processing issues and assist with equipment calibration and commissioning.
Keep up to date with technological developments in thermal processing.
Ensure nutritional claims & values are within target when upscaled to the factory.
Assist the Technical Dept. as and when required including HACCP, ensuring allergen information, food safety legislations, food industry guidelines and retailer COP maintained and up to date on an ongoing basis. Liaise with key stakeholders on customer visits for first production if required
Liaise with different teams to organise cross functional meetings.
Organise and conduct handover meeting for product launches to site’s key stakeholders.
Skills
1. Deep understanding of thermal process design, heat transfer, and microbiological safety.
2. Experience with thermal process validation tools (e.g., dataloggers, thermocouples, process authorities).
3. Familiarity with food safety regulations and standards.
4. Strong data analysis skills
5. Excellent documentation, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
6. Comfortable working in and factory environments.
Other information
7. Demonstrates good housekeeping practices & due diligence at all times
8. Work to our business core values
9. Undertakes other duties to support the department
10. Responsible for own health & safety
11. Understand the importance of food safety
12. Full driving licence
* All relevant training provided
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
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