Process Development Scientist
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (Hybrid)
About the Opportunity
We're supporting a leading international FMCG manufacturer in the search for a Process Development Scientist to join their Innovation & Technology team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys bridging the gap between product development and manufacturing. You'll play a key role in taking innovative concepts from the development kitchen into scalable, efficient manufacturing processes, ensuring products are delivered safely, consistently and commercially.
Working across R&D, Operations, Engineering and Commercial teams, you'll combine technical expertise with a practical understanding of manufacturing to help deliver the next generation of food products.
The Role
As a Process Development Scientist, you'll support the development of new products while identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, product quality and operational performance.
You'll be involved throughout the development journey, from concept and bench development through to pilot and factory trials, ensuring products are successfully transferred into production.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development of new products from concept through to factory implementation.
- Plan, coordinate and support pilot plant and factory trials.
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, product quality and efficiency.
- Translate product concepts into robust manufacturing processes.
- Work closely with Product Development, Operations, Engineering and Commercial teams throughout project delivery.
- Evaluate ingredient functionality and process performance to optimise product quality.
- Troubleshoot technical challenges during development and scale-up.
- Support process validation and technology transfer into manufacturing.
- Analyse trial results and recommend improvements to products and processes.
- Work with suppliers to evaluate new ingredients, technologies and processing solutions.
- Ensure projects are delivered to agreed quality, cost and timeline objectives.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation throughout the development process.
About You
We're keen to speak with candidates who have experience within food manufacturing and enjoy combining product development with manufacturing process improvement.
You'll ideally have:
- Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Technology or a related discipline.
- Experience within FMCG food manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and factory environments.
- Experience supporting pilot plant and factory trials.
- Knowledge of ingredient functionality and product development.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.