We're proud of what we do, why we do it and who we do it for. We're proud to give everyone the opportunity and support to develop and progress their career. To nurture talent, fuel ambition and work with resilience and purpose to achieve the highest possible standards. We're proud of our caring culture, loyal colleagues and future focus. But, most of all, we're proud to enable and empower everyone to believe, achieve and succeed.
About the role
As a Development Technologist, you will play a key role within the Product Development team, creating innovative food products that can be efficiently scaled up for mass production without compromising on quality, taste, or consistency. You will contribute at every stage of the development process – from concept and ideation through to product launch – ensuring that all products meet customer expectations, market trends and technical requirements. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will also support the seamless handover of approved products to the Process Team, ensuring a smooth transition from development to full‑scale production.
Role Accountabilities
* Builds effective working relationships with relevant functions to support all development process activities and communicates clearly across teams to ensure smooth project progression.
* Demonstrates a strong understanding of retailer development requirements and ensures all products align with customer expectations and commercial objectives.
* Shows genuine passion and curiosity for food, actively exploring new ingredients, techniques and flavour profiles to enhance quality and innovation.
* Identifies emerging food and market trends, driving creative product concepts with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
* Maintains a good understanding of site capabilities and manufacturing processes to ensure that products are both creative and commercially viable.
* Uses recipe management systems to generate accurate formulations, costings and specifications in line with commercial targets, delivering all development tasks to the required standard and within agreed timescales.
* Keeps up to date with competitor and market activity, capturing and communicating relevant changes and newness to inform development plans.
* Inputs accurate and detailed information into the sector pipeline document to ensure effective project tracking and reporting.
Qualifications
* Experience in a similar role with a genuine love for food.
* Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
* Excellent communication and the drive and enthusiasm to deliver great results.
* Strong IT skills, including PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
* Ability to work collaboratively within a results‑oriented team and use initiative to shape innovative products.
Benefits
* Life Assurance (1 × salary)
* 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays as standard (may vary by role)
* Private medical insurance (after 5 years’ service)
* Staff shop
* Stakeholder pension scheme
* Discount & cashback platform
* Personal accident insurance
* Free health check
* Employee assistance programme
* Range of voluntary benefits (holiday purchase scheme, additional life assurance, dental & hospital cash plans)
* Salary sacrifice car lease scheme
* Free independent mortgage advice
* Discounted tutoring for children
* Access to financial learning tools and affordable loans via your salary
* Free car parking – site dependent
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing a safe and rewarding environment for you to thrive in. We deliver benefits, rewards and wellbeing offerings that are important to you.
We’re proud to be Bakkavor, the market leader in the UK fresh prepared food industry. We supply meals, salads, desserts, pizza and bread to leading grocery retailers including Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. Join our dedicated Bakkavor team!
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