Job Description

The R&D Officer (Food Product Innovation) will be responsible for the end-to-end development of new food products and the improvement of existing ones. This includes concept development, formulation, testing, and scaling up for production, while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, consumer preferences, cost targets, and shelf-life requirements.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Development (NPD)

: Lead or support the formulation and development of innovative food products based on market trends, consumer feedback, and business goals. Conduct kitchen/lab trials and pilot plant testing to optimize recipes.

Process Development

: Collaborate with production and engineering teams to ensure smooth transition from lab to full-scale production. Improve existing production processes to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and product quality.

Research and Innovation

: Identify new ingredients, technologies, and processes that can be applied to product development. Stay current with food trends, scientific literature, and industry developments.

Quality and Compliance

: Ensure products meet safety, legal, and labeling requirements (e.g., UK/EU Food Safety Regulations, FSA, BRC, HACCP, etc.). Work with QA teams to establish specifications and quality benchmarks.

Documentation and Reporting

: Maintain detailed records of formulations, trial outcomes, shelf-life studies, and project timelines. Prepare technical documentation for regulatory submissions or customer presentations.

Cross-functional Collaboration

: Work with marketing, procurement, sales, and supply chain teams to ensure project alignment and commercial viability. Support the packaging team in selecting materials compatible with product characteristics (e.g., MAP, retort, etc.).

Key Requirements

Education

: Bachelor's or Master's degree in

Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Hospitality, or any food-related degree

(e.g., Culinary Arts, Food Business Management, Dietetics, Food Engineering).

Experience

: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related field. Exceptional candidates with strong technical knowledge and a proven passion for food innovation may be considered regardless of formal qualifications.

Technical Skills

: Strong knowledge of food ingredients, processing, preservation methods (e.g., MAP, retort, HPP), and sensory evaluation. Understanding of microbiology and food shelf-life studies.

Soft Skills

: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Creativity and passion for food innovation. Excellent communication and project management skills.

Other Requirements

: Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., BRCGS, FSA, EFSA, Codex Alimentarius).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and formulation software (optional: Food Product Development LIMS tools).

Desirable (Optional)

Experience with ethnic food development or functional foods. Experience in clean-label product formulation or plant-based food innovation.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience Company bonus scheme Opportunities for professional development and training Staff discounts on company products Flexible working hours (where applicable)
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Apprenticeship, Graduate

Pay: 32,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company car Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Free parking On-site parking Sick pay UK visa sponsorship Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Corsham SN13 9FY

Application deadline: 14/07/2025
Expected start date: 16/07/2025