Senior Process Technologist
Location: Clitheroe
Working Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:30am–5pm & Friday: 8:30am–4pm
Salary: £38,000 – £42,000 per annum (DOE)
Job Purpose
The role is responsible for delivering the NPD, EPD, and CI quality agenda, with broader site‑wide responsibility for the successful transfer of products from concept approval handover through to launch. This is aligned with the Compleat product launch process and critical path, and includes taking a proactive leadership role in product feasibility and strategic projects.
Key Duties, Responsibilities & Accountabilities
* Scope of Responsibility: Leads trials, launch readiness, and process improvements; involved in early‑stage feasibility and strategy discussions. Clear understanding of category area (i.e. pastry/fry/deli), processes and kit within the factory. Able to support troubleshooting across site and support advisories within concept development.
* Project Leadership: Leads projects end‑to‑end and deputises for Process Development Manager.
* NPD/EPD Delivery: Organises and executes trials, prepros and launches with accountability for cross‑functional alignment, critical path management, and concept development input. Involved in site project meetings, feasibility and hand‑overs. Understands impact of trial outcomes v cost of product handed over.
* Factory Trials & Launch: Leads trial scheduling, preparation, completion and post‑trial evaluations; validates factory readiness, organises sample requirements and oversees full production hand‑over. Works closely with suppliers to order raw materials and agree quality parameters.
* Documentation & Compliance: Leads manufacturing specification writing and documentation to audit standard; attends HACCP, leads QAS development & approves artwork where applicable. Understands micro & organoleptic testing and results, collating for product shelf life sign‑off.
* Continuous Improvement of Quality: Supports quality opportunities in line with the quality management team. Proposes feasibility, cost reduction, ways of working and supplier collaboration.
* Budget: Raises relevant POs, logs on tracker, monitors anomalies and suggests efficiency savings, monitors and challenges internal costs such as labour charges.
* Customer Interaction: Leads internal/external product trial feedback in line with NPD, sign‑off panels and prepares customer presentation materials.
* Team Communication: Leads meetings, updates senior teams, ensures team alignment across sites and stakeholders. Supports communication across departments for both site and central functions.
* People Management: Manages direct reports, mentors others, escalates performance issues.
* Strategic Involvement: Participates in strategic planning (e.g. feasibility, innovation agenda, cost modelling).
* Problem Solving: Proactively solves complex manufacturing issues and optimises processes.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
* Technical Knowledge: Broader technical depth, food safety understanding, experienced in leading & evaluating trials, documentation and decision‑making. Understanding of customer and BRC policies.
* Required Experience: Experience in food manufacturing; expected to manage senior communications and complex projects.
* Qualifications: HND/Degree in food‑based subject (desirable), HACCP training, strong emphasis on experience and application.
* Soft Skills: Enthusiasm, team player, motivated, adaptable, proactive. Adds leadership, mentoring, decision‑making, and stakeholder engagement.
* Flexibility: Expected to support across sites and shifts, including nights & weekends, with added responsibility for projects or team success during off‑hours.
Why Join Us?
Financial & Lifestyle Benefits
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
* 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
* Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
* Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in‑store
* Free product handouts across our sites
* EV charging points – available at selected sites
Health & Wellbeing
* 24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
* Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on‑demand exercise classes, gym discounts
* Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
* Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
* Financial wellbeing tools – including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid
Career Growth & Development
* Personalised online learning platform (LMS)
* Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
* Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
* Company Mentoring Scheme
* Recognition through Club Compleat rewards
Community & Culture
* 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Charity initiatives and fundraising events
* Team socials to connect and celebrate together
* Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat
* New baby gift for new parents
Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement
The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, ensuring all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.
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