Job Description
Food Scientist
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (Hybrid)
Salary: £45k - £50k + Bonus + Benefits
About the Company
We are partnering with a leading international snacking and food manufacturer with a portfolio of well-known consumer brands enjoyed across multiple global markets. Innovation sits at the heart of the business, with significant investment in research, development, sustainability and future technologies to drive long-term growth.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Food Scientist to join a central Innovation & Technology team focused on delivering breakthrough product innovation, supporting the development of next-generation products from concept through to pilot and factory trials.
The Role
As a Food Scientist, you will play a key role in transforming innovative concepts into technically viable products. Working alongside Innovation, Commercial, Technical and Manufacturing teams, you will support the development of new products, ingredients and technologies that align with consumer needs, business strategy and sustainability objectives.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys combining scientific thinking with hands-on product development and is passionate about bringing new food products to life.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and evaluate product concepts in response to consumer, customer and commercial requirements
* Design and execute bench-top experiments, pilot plant trials and factory trials
* Support the development of innovative formulations and ingredient technologies
* Investigate and resolve technical challenges during product development
* Analyse and interpret experimental and analytical data to guide decision-making
* Work closely with ingredient and equipment suppliers to identify new opportunities and technologies
* Conduct product characterisation including sensory, texture and ingredient functionality assessments
* Prepare samples and prototypes for internal and external stakeholder reviews
* Complete technical documentation including specifications, trial reports and project records
* Support projects through stage-gate development processes
* Contribute to sustainability, reformulation and continuous improvement initiatives
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Innovation, Technical, Operations and Commercial functions
About You
* Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Nutrition or a related discipline
* Experience within Food Manufacturing, FMCG, Ingredients or Product Development environments
* Knowledge of product development processes from concept through to launch
* Experience supporting or leading pilot plant and factory trials
* Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and food processing principles
* Comfortable analysing technical data and translating findings into practical recommendations
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
* Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
* Passion for food innovation and emerging consumer trends
Desirable Experience
* Texture analysis, rheology or sensory evaluation
* Ingredient supplier or flavour house experience
* Reformulation, cost optimisation or sustainability projects
* Experience working within international or cross-functional project teams
What's on Offer
* Opportunity to work on breakthrough innovation projects
* Exposure to cutting-edge ingredient and processing technologies
* Collaborative and highly innovative R&D environment
* Career development opportunities within a global business
* Annual bonus scheme
* Private healthcare options
* Enhanced pension and life assurance
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
* Ongoing training and development opportunities
This is an excellent opportunity for a Food Scientist looking to work on high-profile innovation projects and help shape the future of some of the market's most recognisable food brands.