Premium Business
Central London
ASAP Start
Potential to transition into a permanent position
Ballantine Recruitment is partnering with one of the UK’s most prestigious premium food retail businesses to appoint a Food Technologist on an initial 12-month Fixed Term Contract, with the potential for the opportunity to become permanent.
This is a high-profile Technical role supporting an extensive own-label food portfolio and working closely with suppliers, Product Development, Buying and wider commercial teams.
The focus is clear: safe, legal, exceptional-quality products, delivered through strong supplier management and robust Technical standards.
The Role
You’ll take Technical ownership across an assigned portfolio of products, supporting the full product lifecycle from supplier approval and NPD through to launch, ongoing performance and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading the Technical element of New Product Development
* Reviewing and approving product specifications, HACCP documentation and label artwork
* Ensuring products meet Food Safety, legal, quality and brand standards
* Managing supplier approval, audits and ongoing supplier performance
* Building strong relationships with suppliers while challenging standards where required
* Investigating quality and Food Safety issues, completing root cause analysis and ensuring corrective actions are implemented
* Using product benchmarking, testing and performance data to drive continuous improvement
* Maintaining accurate Technical documentation and robust due diligence
* Supporting product surveillance programmes
* Assessing product suitability for international markets
* Working closely with Product Development, Buying, Commercial and Supply Chain teams to deliver successful launches
* Supporting strong standards across Food Safety culture, ethical sourcing and sustainability
What We’re Looking For
We want to speak with technically strong food professionals who are comfortable taking ownership and working directly with suppliers.
You’ll ideally have:
* A Food Science, Food Technology or related degree
* Around 3+ years’ experience within Food Technical, Quality, supplier assurance or a similar discipline
* Experience managing multiple products or categories
* Strong knowledge of UK Food legislation and labelling requirements
* Working knowledge of Food Safety Management Systems
* Experience of supplier auditing and supplier approval
* Good knowledge of HACCP
* Level 3 HACCP is highly desirable
* Strong experience with product specifications and artwork approval
* Understanding of NPD and product launch processes
* Experience investigating complaints, quality issues and implementing corrective actions
* Exposure to BRC manufacturing environments
* Experience working with both larger manufacturers and SME suppliers
* Agents & Brokers exposure would be advantageous
* Strong stakeholder-management and communication skills
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who is commercially aware, highly organised and comfortable challenging suppliers while maintaining strong relationships.
You need to be somebody who can understand the detail, make sound Technical decisions and keep multiple projects moving in a fast-paced environment.
Why Consider It?
This is an opportunity to work within an exceptionally high-profile premium food business where Technical standards and product quality are central to the customer experience.
You’ll gain exposure across:
Own Label | NPD | Supplier Management | Auditing | Specifications | Food Safety | Product Quality | International Compliance | Continuous Improvement
The role is initially offered as a 12-month FTC, but there is potential for the position to transition into a permanent opportunity, subject to business requirements.
The wider package includes:
Competitive Salary + Bonus Eligibility + Company Pension + Flexible Working + 25 Days’ Holiday
Interested?
For a confidential conversation:
Ballantine Recruitment
Salary description
£35000.00 - £45000.00 per year