Assistant Technologist

Pilgrim'S Europe; Grantham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim'S Europe in Grantham is seeking an Assistant Development Technologist to join our Product & Innovation team, supporting new product development from concept to launch in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. You will work closely with Development Managers and cross-functional teams, assist with kitchen-based trials, manage samples and documentation, and contribute to timely project delivery.

A proactive, organised individual with strong IT skills is ideal, with a Full UK driving

Qualifications

• Strong organisational, planning and prioritisation abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail in documentation and samples.
• Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Proactive approach and initiative.
• Consistently deliver tasks on time to high standards.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Support 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 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 events when required.
• Take ownership of assigned development projects and deliver against timescales.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

IT skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Time management

Driving licence

Job description

Assistant Development Technologist

Location: Grantham
Department: Product & Innovation
Reporting to: NPI Manager

About the Role

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.

What We're Looking For

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.

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.

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.