Job Description
Product Development Technologist
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Location: Buckinghamshire
We are partnering with a leading international food manufacturer operating across highly competitive FMCG markets. The business is continuing to invest heavily in innovation, sustainability, product transformation and future-focused technologies, with a strong emphasis on delivering category-leading products that meet evolving consumer and customer expectations.
This is an exciting opportunity for a Product Development / Innovation professional to join a global innovation and technology team focused on delivering breakthrough product development projects from concept through to pilot and factory trial stage.
The successful candidate will support the delivery of an ambitious innovation pipeline, working closely with cross-functional teams to translate commercial and consumer insights into technically viable product solutions.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop recipes and product concepts in line with technical and commercial briefs
* Support the creation and delivery of innovative product solutions aligned to consumer trends and business growth objectives
* Prepare bench samples and support pilot plant and factory trials
* Assist in overcoming technical development challenges through structured problem-solving and experimentation
* Work closely with ingredient and equipment suppliers to identify new materials, technologies and processes
* Conduct analytical and technical assessments including texture, rheology and product performance evaluation
* Analyse trial data and provide recommendations for next development stages
* Support the completion of technical documentation including specifications, quality attributes and project records
* Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed quality, cost and timeline expectations
* Collaborate with commercial, operations, technical and regional teams to support innovation delivery across multiple markets
* Contribute to sustainability, reformulation and continuous improvement initiatives
* Maintain safe and hygienic working standards within development and trial environments
Candidate criteria:
* Experience within Product Development, NPD or Innovation in FMCG or food manufacturing
* Strong understanding of product development processes from concept through to launch
* Experience supporting factory trials and pilot plant activities
* Comfortable working cross-functionally within fast-paced manufacturing environments
* Strong technical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret trial and product data
* Understanding of ingredients, formulations and food processing technologies
* Organised with good project management and documentation skills
* Able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers
* Passion for food innovation, consumer trends and continuous improvement
Desirable
* Experience within ambient food products
* Knowledge of texture analysis, rheology or ingredient functionality
* Experience supporting sustainability or reformulation projects
* Exposure to global or multi-site product development projects
What’s on Offer
* Opportunity to work on high-profile innovation projects
* Exposure to global product development and breakthrough technologies
* Collaborative and fast-paced innovation environment
* Career development opportunities within a large international food business
* Competitive salary and benefits package