Alexander Steele Recruitment continues to partner with an expanding international food manufacturing business as they strengthen their New Product Development team.
Following continued growth and investment, our client is looking to appoint a Development Technologist to join their collaborative and innovative product development function based in South London.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience within food manufacturing who is passionate about creating new products and wants to play an active role in bringing innovative concepts to market. Working alongside experienced NPD professionals, you'll gain exposure to customer projects, product trials, factory launches and continuous product improvement while developing your career within a business that genuinely invests in its people.
About the Role & Key Accountabilities
As Development Technologist, you'll become an integral part of the product development team, supporting the successful delivery of both new and existing products for leading foodservice and retail customers.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting product development projects from initial concept through to successful commercial launch.
- Producing kitchen samples and ensuring products meet customer expectations.
- Coordinating factory trials and assisting with first production runs.
- Evaluating ingredients and identifying opportunities for product improvements and cost optimisation.
- Maintaining accurate product documentation, recipes and development records.
- Working closely with Technical, Operations, Procurement and Commercial teams throughout the development process.
- Participating in customer meetings, product tastings and internal presentations.
- Monitoring food trends, emerging ingredients and market innovations to help generate new product ideas.
- Building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered efficiently.
Candidate Requirements
We're keen to speak with candidates who have:
- Experience within a food or product development in a food manufacturing environment.
- A genuine passion for food, innovation and creating great products.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with both internal teams and customers.
- A proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop.
- Good IT skills and experience maintaining product information.
The following would be advantageous but aren't essential:
- Experience working with chilled food products including sauces, marinades, ready meals or food to go.
- Commercial kitchen or culinary experience.
- Advanced Food Hygiene certification.
- Full UK driving licence.
Why This Business?
This is much more than a Development Technologist role.
You'll be joining a well-established international food manufacturer that continues to invest in innovation, product development and the long-term growth of its people. The business offers a collaborative environment where your ideas are valued, you'll work on exciting customer projects, and you'll gain exposure to every stage of the product development journey.
In return you'll receive:
- Salary of £33,000 - £38,000 depending on experience.
- Enhanced holidays + Company pension
- Genuine opportunities for career progression within a growing international group.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Exposure to a wide variety of customer-led innovation projects.
- A supportive, collaborative team culture where no two days are the same.
- The opportunity to develop your technical expertise while helping bring exciting new food products to market.
If you're looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, develop your career and work on exciting food innovation projects, we'd love to hear from you.