Job Description

Overview:
Process Technologist
Humdinger, Heckington NG34 9JH
Are you passionate about turning kitchen concepts into factory-ready products without compromising on quality? We're looking for a hands-on, detail-driven Process Technologist to join our dynamic team in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. In this role, you'll be the technical bridge between NPD and Operations - scaling up recipes, running factory trials and driving process improvements that deliver excellence in taste, texture and efficiency.
Position type: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 37.5
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Pay range: 30,000 - 34,000
Breaks: 30 minutes unpaid
Additional Flexibility Required:
To support operational needs, occasional flexibility is required:

• Early Morning Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, once a week (for factory trials)
• Night Shift: 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM, once a month (for training sessions)

Responsibilities:
As a Process Technologist, you'll play a vital role in scaling up new products from kitchen to factory, ensuring they meet quality, safety and customer expectations. Your day-to-day will include:

• Scale-Up & Trials: Collaborate with NPD to adapt recipes for large-scale production. Plan and run factory trials, fine-tuning processes to achieve consistent quality and efficiency.
• Process Optimisation: Drive improvements in waste reduction and line performance. Support CI and Lean initiatives using data-driven insights.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure all products meet food safety, legal and retailer standards. Liaise with QA and Technical teams to maintain audit readiness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with NPD, Engineering, Supply Chain and Operations to deliver successful product launches.
• Documentation & Control: Maintain accurate process specs, SOPs and trial records. Ensure consistent batch production and support audit documentation.
• Problem Solving: Investigate and resolve production issues quickly and effectively, using data to inform decisions.
• Health & Safety: Promote safe working practices and support site-wide H&S improvements.

Qualifications:

• Experience in manufacturing (Technical, Production, or Development) or a relevant graduate background
• Food Safety Level 2 (minimum); Food Technology qualifications desirable
• Strong understanding of QA principles and a passion for quality
• Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills
• Confident working independently and as part of a team
• Strong problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
• Comfortable with data, process improvement and CI tools (e.g. Six Sigma - desirable)
• Health & Safety aware and computer literate (Microsoft Office)
• Flexible, proactive, and confident in decision-making
• Experience with roasting/frying equipment is a plus

Rewards Benefits:

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Pension (4% Employer Contributions)
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 basic salary.
• Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), along with access to Paycare Perks for exclusive high street and retailer discounts.
• Holiday Purchase Salary Sacrifice Scheme - buy up to one extra week per year (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
• Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
• Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
• Family friendly policies including Maternity and Paternity leave above the statutory minimum
• Access to staff shops with exclusive discounts
• Monthly employee recognition scheme via the 'Zertus Values Awards'
• Recruitment Refer a Friend rewards
• Training and Development Opportunities (Leadership courses, External qualifications, Professional memberships)

About Us:
At Humdinger, we transform coco, nuts, seeds, fruit, and pulses into delectable snacks and chocolates for both our in-house label and renowned branded ranges. With a robust and continually growing portfolio, we've earned compliments for our commitment to quality and continuous product innovation. You might have enjoyed our products before, perhaps without even realising it! Application & Interview Process:
Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Your application will be reviewed as part of our selection process. If you're shortlisted, a member of our Recruitment or HR team will contact you. If selected, you will be invited to an onsite interview.
Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage. The provision of this information is likely to include special category data and is therefore covered by data protection laws. We ask for this information so that we are fully aware of any adjustments needed and we will use the information provided to inform our decisions about making those changes.

Skills Required