Overview
Müller UK & Ireland is wholly owned by the Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller which employs over 24,000 people throughout Europe. In the UK, Müller develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of branded and private label dairy products made with milk from more than 1,700 British farmers. The Müller brand is ranked at No.7 in The Grocer’s Top 100 list of Britain’s Biggest Brands, and is also the 7th most chosen brand in the UK. We are recruiting for a Development Technologist to join the UK R&D product development team and manage product development based projects from concept to launch, with R&D actions through the project stage-gate process (PEP).
Location: Market Drayton – hybrid working (average of 3 days per week on site). Contract: Permanent.
Responsibilities
* Develop new or adapt existing recipes, considering quality and food safety, food law, sensory requirements, nutrition targets, ingredient functionality and current production processes.
* Prepare and present innovative concept samples to internal and external partners; propose ideas for new products.
* Work in the kitchen or pilot plant area on a regular basis.
* Calculate nutrition tables for new recipes, review figures against targets, and adapt recipes as needed.
* Stay up to date with new products and competition in the UK market; monitor key food trends.
* Understand how this R&D role contributes to business success; work to meet business and customer requirements.
* Operate the pilot plant independently; plan, organise and control scale-up trials with production personnel.
* Organise and carry out product testing (shelf-life, organoleptic assessment, nutrition) and conduct shelf-life studies.
* Produce clear trial reports; complete due diligence documentation; maintain NPD documentation/records.
* Handover documentation and formulations to production; assist with first production and training of relevant personnel on new processes or parameters.
* Source new ingredients, follow the Muller new raw material process for approval and IT setup.
* Build relationships with the product category supply base; write clear supplier briefs considering cost in use targets.
* Ensure understanding of HACCP principles; ensure development work complies with legislation, Muller Codes of Practice, retailer policies and brand guidelines.
* Contribute to food safety risk assessments through the NPD process; assemble ingredient declarations and nutritional tables for composite products.
* Review relevant food legislation and, if required, artwork for finished products in line with policies.
* Deliver projects on time and understand all stages of the Muller stage-gate process (PEP).
* Contribute to project timelines, feasibility studies and costings with finance; attend project meetings and escalate risks and issues to the project manager.
* Update stakeholders on milestones and deviations; travel to other Muller sites or third-party co-packers as required.
Qualifications and Skills
* BSc / MSc in Food Science, Dairy Technology or related field.
* Knowledge of dairy science and processing; basic nutrition knowledge.
* Experience in developing dairy products is desirable.
* Computer literate (MS Office, especially Excel); strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
* Creative product development mindset with high self-motivation, initiative, and curiosity.
* Effective team player with good time management; ability to work with urgency and attention to detail.
* Excellent communication skills at all levels, internally and externally.
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Bonus scheme
* Health care package
* Contributory pension plan
* Life assurance
* Employee assistance programme
* Generous annual leave increasing with service
* Flexible benefits programme
* Rewards benefits programme (discounts across retailers)
How to Apply
If you have the skills and experience, please apply at www.mullercareers.co.uk
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