Job Description
Graduate Technologist (Product Development – FMCG)
Location: Flexible – Christchurch, Dorset / Manchester / [Other UK office] (Hybrid)
Department: Technical
Reports to: Technical Manager
Travel: Occasional UK & overseas travel
Important Requirements
Applicants must have full UK residency and the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
This is a NON-FOOD FMCG role, candidates with food-only backgrounds are unlikely to be suitable.
About the Role
We are hiring a Graduate Technologist with a Chemistry or Science degree who is passionate about FMCG product development, innovation, and commercial products.
This role is NONE FOOD position and NOT a laboratory or lab technician position. Instead, it is a product-focused, supplier-facing, and commercially driven technical role, ideal for a graduate who wants to work on real consumer products across categories such as Health & Beauty, Household, Reusable Bags, and Impulse Snacking.
We’re especially interested in graduates who have gained FMCG or product experience through internships, placements, part-time roles, or university dissertations/projects.
You will support new product development (NPD), ensure product safety and compliance, work with global suppliers, and collaborate closely with Product, Commercial, and Supply Chain teams.
Key Responsibilities
* Support technical product development, innovation, quality, and product launches
* Work with UK, EU, and Asia-based suppliers to manage compliance, safety testing, and product performance
* Assist with product specifications, regulatory checks, safety assessments, and legal compliance
* Review artwork, packaging, and labelling to ensure legislative compliance
* Coordinate product sampling, shelf-life testing, and quality reviews
* Support supplier audits, factory trials, and pre-production runs
* Manage technical queries from internal teams, customers, and suppliers
* Collaborate with Product and Commercial teams throughout the NPD process
* Attend factory visits, trade shows, and industry events to track innovation
* Champion sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and continuous improvement
Who We’re Looking For
Ideal for a graduate or early-career candidate with:
* A Chemistry, Science, Food Science, or related degree
* Interest or exposure to FMCG product development (including dissertation or university project work)
* 1–3 years’ experience in technical, product, FMCG, or NPD roles (graduate-level considered)
* Understanding of product safety, regulations, and technical standards
* Strong communication, organisation, and stakeholder management skills
* A commercial mindset and passion for bringing products to market
* High attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset
This role is not suited to candidates seeking lab technician or purely laboratory-based positions.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary + annual reviews
* 25 days holiday (rising to 30 with service)
* Hybrid & flexible working across Dorset, Manchester, or other UK offices
* Bonus scheme
* Healthcare cash plan & wellbeing support
* Strong learning, development, and progression opportunities
* Enhanced parental leave & pension scheme
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Regular social events & company perks