Job Description

Development Technologist - permanent, full-time

Bicester, Oxfordshire

About us

British Bakels Ltd is a specialist provider of high-quality baking ingredients to organisations throughout the UK and beyond. Part of the wider Bakels Group of companies employing over 3000 employees worldwide, British Bakels is a successful, dynamic and friendly business with a reputation for high quality products and exceptional customer service.

As a result of our continued growth, we are looking for a Development Technologist to help us drive and maintain our high standards and ensure we can continue to meet and exceed our customers' expectations.

About the role

The position will be based in Bicester, with travel to suppliers and customers and possibly Liverpool when required.

The role works cross-functionally with the Technical Application, Sales, Quality, Process, Production and Supply chain teams on development projects to exceed customer expectations in a timely manner.

Technologists should strive to continually improve the service which NPD provides to internal and external customers by driving product, process, and efficiency improvements which ultimately increases sales through new and improved product development.

Working hours - days (37.5 hours per week)

Responsibilities will include:

To increase technical expertise that can be used to deliver solutions to customer requests.*
Following the Bakels stage gate process to deliver development projects in a thorough and controlled manner. Ensuring accurate data is used and working closely with all departments to ensure product launches are 'right first time'.*
Prioritising projects such that the most valuable and strategically beneficial projects are delivered.*
Working as part of the NPD team as well as cross functional teams to use the best business resources to achieve successful results. Including the investigation of customer complaints or product issues.*
Representing Bakels NPD in front of key customers and suppliers.*
Supporting the Team Manager in driving change and continuous improvement through the team.*
Continually researching markets and technologies to develop and share new product concepts and processes.*
Ensuring that accurate data is used at launch including QA checks and expected product yields. Working closely with the Quality and Production teams to ensure that products are right at launch and then maintained through all ongoing productions.*
Submitting product costings, using accurate data, to ensure viable costs are given to the Sales team.*
To work collaboratively with the wider H&S team and to strive to improve the level of focus on H&S in the business.*

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have to have experience with product development (across sweet and savoury bakery applications) and working with suppliers and customers, ideally suited to working with fast-paced development projects and achieving tight deadlines agreed to fulfil business needs, strong interpersonal skills, use own initiative, be able to absorb complex data and implement successful resolutions, be an effective communicator demonstrating the ability to adapt communication style to different situations.

Specific requirements include:

- Food Science (related) degree

- 5 years' Industrial bakery/FMCG experience

- Demonstrable Project management competence

- Computer and system literacy

- Presentation skills & ability to convey messaging

- Full UK Driving Licence

You must also have the right to work in the UK and live within easy commuting distance of Bicester, Oxfordshire. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visa applications for this role.

Our staff benefits

We offer a generous range of benefits including:

- a competitive salary of 35-42k p.a. depending on experience

- 25 days' annual holiday, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days

- An additional day off for your birthday

- 10% employer pension contribution with optional salary sacrifice scheme

- Occupational sickness benefits

- Life assurance benefit

- Long Service awards

- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

- Employee Assistance Programme with wellbeing portal

- Employee forum with regular social and charity events

- Healthcare scheme providing cashback on health-related expenditure(annual cap)
- Cycle Purchase scheme

- EV Car scheme

- Tastecard scheme offering discounted food, retail and entertainment

- Staff canteen with vending machines, fridges, toasters and free tea/coffee

- Free on-site parking

We are an equal opportunities employer who values diversity, dedication and teamwork.

If you think you would be a good fit for this role, please apply today! We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note: Due to the high response received, we will only contact candidates that have been successfully selected. Therefore, if you have not heard back from us in 14 days, it means you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Thank you for your interest!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Canteen Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 08/09/2025