Category Technologist

Gousto; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company in London is seeking a Category Food Technologist for a full-time, fixed-term role. The ideal candidate has experience in product development and a strong understanding of food safety standards. Key responsibilities include leading the development of products from concept to launch, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with various teams. This role requires a hands-on individual who is solutions-focused and willing to travel. Join us to make a real impact in ensuring product quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• Experienced in product development or as a category technologist in food manufacturing.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and raw material quality standards.
• Confident decision maker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Positive, hands-on, solutions-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new and existing products and raw materials from concept to launch.
• Ensure all products and raw materials have agreed specifications.
• Conduct food safety and integrity risk assessments for raw materials.
• Manage stage-gate and critical-path processes to meet agreed timelines.

Skills

Product development

Food safety standards

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or Microbiology

HACCP Level 3

Food Safety Level 3

Tools

Google applications

Job description

ROLE: Category Food Technologist

LOCATION: London

CONTRACT: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract

We are looking for someone to join us ASAP; therefore, we are unable to consider candidates on a 3 / 2 month notice.

Team Intro and Role Overview

We’re looking for a Category Food Technologist to join our Food team on a fixed‑term basis. Reporting to a Senior Manager and working closely with the Buying and Recipe Development teams, you’ll lead the development of new and existing products and raw materials from concept through to launch. This role is a great opportunity for someone with technical expertise and a passion for quality, safety and compliance to make a real impact across our supply chain.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring Gousto delivers products that meet our high standards, working with a range of internal and external partners to guarantee quality compliance and continuous improvement.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new and existing products and raw materials from concept to launch from a technical perspective, working closely with Buying and Recipe Development.
• Ensure all products and raw materials have agreed specifications, including quality attributes and food safety parameters.
• Conduct food safety and integrity risk assessments for raw materials.
• Partner with Site Technical and Operations to ensure successful launches across Gousto Fulfilment Centres.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers.
• Manage stage‑gate and critical‑path processes to meet agreed timelines.
• Support product benchmarking and raw‑material quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement best‑practice processes and procedures.
• Coordinate transit trials and shelf‑life testing.
• Drive supplier improvement plans, technical visits and reduce OTIF complaints.
• Sign off artwork and labelling for legal compliance.
• Contribute to the achievement of key departmental KPIs.

Who You Are

• Experienced in product development or as a category technologist in food manufacturing.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and raw material quality standards.
• Skilled in project management with strong organisational ability.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate cross‑functionally.
• Competent in using Google applications and other standard tools.
• Confident decision maker with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Positive, hands‑on, solutions‑focused mindset.
• Flexible to travel between Gousto sites and suppliers as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or Microbiology, or equivalent experience.
• HACCP Level 3.
• Food Safety Level 3.

Additional Information

We understand that some individuals may require reasonable adjustments to fully participate in the interview process. Please tell us what you need and we will make every effort to accommodate.

Inclusion Statement

Whether it’s creating diversity in our recipes or building new teams, we care about our people and the opportunities they have at Gousto. Across our business, we lead with inclusivity and strive for equity in all we do; working hard to ensure Gousto is an environment where you can be totally yourself. Everyone is welcome and we’re looking for applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you don’t tick every box, we encourage you to apply anyway so we can review your profile. If you’re in a job share, why not apply as a pair?

Remote Work

No

Employment Type

Full‑time