Job Title: Bakery Process Technologist Location: Dudley – with UK travel Working Hours: Monday–Friday (9 hours per day). Flexibility required for occasional nights/weekends. About the Role A well-established and growing bakery manufacturer supplying major UK retailers and food service customers is seeking a Process Development Technologist to join its technical team. This is a hands-on factory-based role focused on developing, optimising and implementing robust bakery manufacturing processes. You will play a key part in taking products from concept through to successful factory launch, ensuring consistent quality, food safety and operational efficiency. Working cross-functionally with NPD, Production, Engineering, Technical and Commercial teams, you will be instrumental in delivering successful scale-up and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple sites. Key Responsibilities Process & Product Development * Support development and optimisation of bakery manufacturing processes from concept to full-scale production * Translate kitchen or pilot recipes into scalable factory processes * Assist with factory and line trials to ensure processes are capable and repeatable Trials, Scale-Up & Launch * Plan, run and document process trials including raw material and equipment optimisation * Support first productions and handover to Operations * Identify and troubleshoot process issues during scale-up Quality, Food Safety & Compliance * Ensure compliance with food safety standards including HACCP and BRCGS * Work closely with Technical and Quality teams on process controls and CCPs * Support customer and third-party audits when required Documentation & Specifications * Create and maintain SOPs, process documentation and trial reports * Clearly define and communicate manufacturing instructions and control points * Update specifications following process improvements Continuous Improvement * Identify opportunities to improve yield, efficiency and waste reduction * Support cost-saving initiatives through process optimisation * Use data and factory feedback to drive improvements Cross-Functional Collaboration * Act as a key link between NPD and Operations * Work closely with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain and Commercial teams * Support retailer and food service customer requirements Skills & Experience Essential * Experience in a Process Development, NPD or Technical role within food manufacturing * Strong understanding of high-volume food production processes * Knowledge of HACCP and BRCGS standards * Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills * Ability to manage multiple trials in a fast-paced environment Desirable * Bakery manufacturing experience * Experience working with UK retailers or food service customers * Food Science, Food Technology or related qualification * Familiarity with bakery equipment (mixers, provers, ovens, slicing/packing lines)