Development Technologist

Pilgrim'S Europe; Bodmin; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is seeking a Development Technologist to join our Product & Innovation team in transforming ideas into market-ready products. You will work with customers, chefs, and operations to drive new product development from concept to launch.

You will manage development projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to feasibility assessments while staying ahead of food trends and market needs.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Excellent communication across cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Degree in Food Science, Marketing, Business or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support development and launch of new and existing products.
• Respond to customer briefs and drive innovative product solutions.
• Assist in innovation sessions and product costings.
• Maintain accurate product/recipe information in the system.
• Prepare documentation and customer submissions throughout development.

Skills

Organisational skills

Project management

Communication

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Food industry knowledge

Education

Food Science / Marketing / Business degree

Tools

MS Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint)

Job description

Location: Bodmin
Reporting to: Product Development Manager

Shape the Future of Food with Pilgrim's Europe

Are you passionate about food, innovation, and bringing exciting new products to market? At Pilgrim's Europe, we're looking for a Development Technologist to join our Product &

Innovation team and play a key role in transforming ideas into successful products that delight customers and consumers alike.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of product development, collaborating with customer innovation teams, chefs, operational teams, and commercial stakeholders to deliver industry-leading food products. From concept creation through to launch, you'll help drive innovation, manage development projects, and support the delivery of our growth ambitions.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Development Technologist, you'll support the development and launch of new and existing products while ensuring they meet customer expectations, commercial objectives, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of customer-focused and commercially viable NPD (New Product Development) and EPD (Existing Product Development) activities.
• Assist in responding to customer briefs and driving innovative product solutions.
• Support internal and customer-facing innovation sessions.
• Identify opportunities for product improvements, value creation, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Help ensure all products meet customer codes of practice and relevant legislation, including allergens, sustainability, welfare, and health requirements.

Project Management

• Support the management of product development projects through the stage and gate process.
• Maintain accurate product and recipe information within the recipe management system (P74).
• Generate accurate nutritional information and costings for new products.
• Monitor project critical paths and raise any risks that could impact delivery timelines.
• Prepare all required documentation and customer submissions throughout the development process.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with commercial, operations, procurement, technical, packaging, and culinary teams.
• Support customer presentations, product sampling, and site visits.
• Assist in artwork approval processes to ensure legal and customer compliance.
• Contribute to feasibility assessments for new products, ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Stay informed on emerging food trends, consumer behaviours, and competitor activity.
• Support the creation of customer innovation roadmaps aligned to market trends and manufacturing capability.
• Bring enthusiasm and creativity to identifying future product opportunities.

What We're Looking For

• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Passion for food, innovation, and consumer trends.
• Relevant food industry qualification and/or experience.
• Previous product development experience within the food industry.
• Product costing experience.
• Ingredient and packaging sourcing knowledge.
• Experience working with geographically dispersed teams.
• Product category knowledge within relevant food sectors.
• Degree qualification in Food Science, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline.

Why Join Pilgrim's Europe?

At Pilgrim's Europe, our values guide everything we do:

• Availability – We embrace new challenges and opportunities.
• Humility – We listen, learn, and respect diverse perspectives.
• Sincerity – We act with honesty and integrity.
• Simplicity – We focus on what matters most.
• Ownership – We take responsibility for results.
• Determination – We strive for excellence in everything we do.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a food enthusiast looking to develop their career within a leading food business where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are at the centre of success.

Join us and help shape the future of food at Pilgrim's Europe.