Food Process Technologist

Location: Penrith (Rural Location)
Hours: Full Time, Rotating Shift Pattern
Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum

Overview
NXT Recruitment is working in partnership with a long-established and highly respected bakery business to recruit a Food Process Technologist. This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative food manufacturing environment where quality, product development, and continuous improvement are at the heart of the operation.

The successful candidate will act as the key link between the development kitchen and bakery production, ensuring new products are successfully scaled from concept through to full manufacturing. This role would suit an individual with a passion for food, bakery products, and product development who enjoys working closely with production teams, customers, and technical departments.

Key Responsibilities

Carry out product trials within both bakery production facilities, recording and analysing trial data
Support the transition of new products from development kitchen concepts to full-scale production
Establish and document manufacturing processes, recipe changes, and process. Improvements
Ensure all relevant stakeholders are informed throughout the trial and development stages
Review and verify final recipes, methods, and production documentation prior to launch
Interact with customers during on-site product trials and presentations
Collect and evaluate data required for packaging development, quality assurance standards, and production line standards
Provide information required for customer specifications and technical documentation
Label, store, and manage product samples appropriately
Ensure all work complies with internal quality standards, food safety requirements, and customer expectations
Supervise first production runs and provide troubleshooting support where required
Liaise with purchasing teams to ensure ingredients and materials are available for trials
Support the development of Quality Assurance Standards and production line standards
Assist with sensory evaluations, taste panels, and reporting of results
Arrange laboratory testing, including microbiological and chemical analysis, and evaluate findings
Investigate production processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and product quality
Provide support to the wider New Product Development team as required

Requirements

Previous experience within a New Product Development, Process Development, or Food Manufacturing environment
Bakery experience or food process development experience
Passion for food products and product innovation
Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
Good analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively
A proactive and collaborative approach to work

Desirable Skills

Qualification in Food Science, Bakery Technology, Product Development, or a related food discipline
Experience working within a bakery manufacturing environment
Knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, and food manufacturing processes
Experience supporting customer-facing product trials and launches
Understanding of product specifications and technical documentation

Please contact the team at 01228 812585 or info@nxtrecruitment.co.uk.

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