Assistant Development Technologist

Pilgrims Pride Ltd; South Kesteven; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Pride Limited in the UK is recruiting an Assistant Development Technologist to join the Product & Innovation team. You will help take new ideas from concept through to launch, supporting kitchen‑based development activities and cross‑functional projects across Commercial, Operations, Technical and Packaging teams.

You'll gain hands‑on experience in food manufacturing, develop practical technical skills, and contribute to customer requirements and product launches in a fast‑paced

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing and product development preferred.
• Knowledge of food production processes and ingredients.
• Project management experience desirable.
• Relevant qualification in Food Science/Technology or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of new and existing food products from concept through to launch.
• Assist with kitchen-based product development activities and trials.
• Prepare, organise, and distribute product samples to stakeholders.
• Order ingredients and raw materials for development work.
• Produce 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 when required.
• Take ownership of assigned development projects and deliver on timescales.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Initiative

Time management

Driving licence

Travel flexibility

Education

Food Science/Technology degree

Tools

MS Office suite

Microsoft Excel

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.

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.

Why Join Us?

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.

Pilgrim's Pride Limited is a division of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, our business is part of the second largest food company in the world, whose team farm, process, prepare, package and deliver fresh, frozen and value-added food products for sale in more than 100 countries. We are proud to partner with more than 1,000 UK farmers who share our belief in the highest standards on animal welfare, efficiency, and quality. Our own farming operation is 100% RSPCA Higher Welfare, making us the largest producer of higher welfare pork globally, delivering 25% of pig meat to UK consumers.