Assistant Development Technologist

Pilgrim's Europe; South Kesteven; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is seeking an Assistant Development Technologist to join our Product & Innovation team. You will help bring new products from concept through to launch in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

You'll work closely with Product Development Managers and Senior Technologists, gaining exposure to customer projects, factory trials, and product launches while developing technical skills within the food industry.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing/product development is advantageous.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with strong organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support development of new and existing food products from concept through to launch.
• Assist with kitchen-based product development activities and trials.
• Prepare and distribute product samples to stakeholders.
• Order ingredients and materials for development work.
• Produce accurate documentation, cooking instructions and project records.
• Maintain a clean, organised development kitchen.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Operations, Technical, Packaging and Process teams.
• Support customer visits, presentations and corporate events.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Independent work

Initiative

Time management

Full UK driving licence

Willingness to travel

Education

Relevant Food Science/ Product Development qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Development Technologist to join our Product & Innovation team. We're looking for a Assistant Development Technologist to join our Product Development team and play a key role in bringing exciting new products from concept through to launch. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a keen interest in food manufacturing and product innovation who enjoys a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment. Working closely with Product Development Managers, Senior Technologists, and cross‑functional teams, you'll help deliver new product development projects, support customer requirements, and contribute to the successful launch of innovative products.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the development of new and existing food products from concept through to launch.
• Assisting with kitchen-based product development activities and trials.
• Preparing, organising, and distributing product samples to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ordering ingredients and raw materials required for development work.
• Producing accurate documentation, cooking instructions, and project records.
• Maintaining a clean, organised, and efficient development kitchen.
• Working collaboratively with Commercial, Operations, Technical, Packaging, and Process teams.
• Supporting customer visits, presentations, and corporate events when required.
• Taking ownership of assigned development projects and delivering against agreed timescales., This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a passionate Product Development team where you'll gain exposure to innovation, customer projects, factory trials, and product launches. You'll work with talented colleagues across the business and have the opportunity to develop your technical skills and build a rewarding career within the food industry.

Our Values Our values are at the heart of everything we do:

• Availability - We're open, approachable, and ready to embrace new challenges.
• Humility - We listen, respect others, and value different perspectives.
• Discipline - We deliver on our commitments and maintain high standards.
• Sincerity - We build trust through honesty and respect.
• Simplicity - We focus on practical solutions and what matters most.
• Ownership - We take responsibility for our actions and results.
• Determination - We strive to achieve success and continuously improve.

If you're enthusiastic about food innovation and looking to build your career within a dynamic product development environment, we'd love to hear from you.

We're looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual who thrives in a team environment and has a genuine passion for food innovation.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive approach with the confidence to use your own initiative.
• Ability to consistently deliver tasks on time and to a high standard.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Flexibility to travel occasionally to customers, suppliers, and other company sites.

Desirable

• Experience within food manufacturing, product development, or a factory environment.
• Knowledge of food production processes and ingredients.
• Project management experience.
• Relevant Food Science, Food Technology, Product Development, or related qualification.

Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.

Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products. Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day.

Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.