Food Technologist
- Christchurch, Dorset
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Assist in NPD process of new food products from concept to launch, ensuring safety, legal compliance, and manufacturability.
- Prepare and maintain product specifications and respond to 3 party specifications checks with accurate and timely updates.
- Assist in approval of product artwork and label declarations in line with EU/UK regulations.
- Handle daily technical queries from internal teams, customers, and suppliers including export queries, NPD support, and ad hoc technical data requests.
- Coordinate product sampling, shelf-life testing, and sensory evaluations.
- Coordinate monthly product surveillance testing and quality panels.
- Conduct supplier audits and risk assessments to verify food safety systems and product standards.
- Maintain accurate documentation for product development projects and regulatory approvals.
- Provide technical input during trials, launches, and post-launch reviews.
- Keep up to date with food legislation, retail customer standards, and industry trends.
- Troubleshoot product or process issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Product team and suppliers to prepare and finalize Quality Contracts and QAS documentation for trials and production.
- Support the close-out of supplier audits via online customer portals.
- Maintain and update documentation required for retailer portals (e.g. M&S), including Allergen Risk Assessments, HACCP, site complaints procedures, and supply chain maps.
- Collect and file quarterly supplier testing data to support customer audit readiness.
- Submit Packaging Waste Data reports (H1 and H2) and complete RAM assessments biannually.
- Maintain the master packaging data spreadsheet to reflect all launches and changes.
- Complete annual retailer reports including Soy, Cocoa, Timber, and Valpak submissions.
- Ensure retailer documentation (e.g., M&S A-list specs, SMP forms) is up to date and audit-ready.
- Prepare and update annual schedules for Mock Recalls, Quality Panels, and Surveillance Testing.
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a technical/quality/NPD role within the food industry.
- Strong knowledge of food legislation, HACCP, food labelling, and allergen management.
- Experience working with co-manufacturers or external suppliers preferred.
- Exposure to UK retailer specifications (e.g., Tesco, M&S, Waitrose, Asda, Aldi) desirable.
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field.
- Strong understanding of food safety, quality systems, and legislation.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to influence and work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving mindset.
- High attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
- 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
- Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
- Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
- Great learning and development and progression opportunities ยท Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Generous Company Sick Pay
- Pension Scheme Contribution
- Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Dress down Fridays
- Free parking on Christchurch Quay