Development Technologist

GB04 Solina UK Trading Limited; Elland; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Solina UK Trading Limited is seeking a Development Technologist in Elland, West Yorkshire. You will contribute to the development of innovative sauces, marinades and dressings for leading foodservice and QSR brands, working across NPD and EPD projects.

You will develop recipes, conduct trials in the development kitchen, and collaborate with Commercial, Technical, Process, Procurement and Operations teams to drive successful launches.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Strong passion for food and product development.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Computer literate and able to use office tools.
• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Support New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects from concept through to commercial launch.
• Develop, prepare and present product samples in the development kitchen.
• Assist with recipe development, reformulation, product optimisation, ingredient testing and supplier evaluations.
• Support kitchen trials, factory trials and first production runs.
• Research food trends, ingredients and market innovations to inspire new product concepts.
• Participate in taste panels, benchmarking and product evaluations.
• Support customer presentations, innovation sessions and cross-functional project meetings.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Technical, Process, Procurement and Operations teams to deliver successful product launches.
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional development kitchen.

Skills

Food Science

Culinary Arts

Communication

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Education

Degree in Food Science / Food Technology / Culinary Arts

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Elland, United Kingdom. Join Solina’s R&D team as a Development Technologist at our Elland site in West Yorkshire. This role focuses on developing innovative sauces, marinades and dressings for leading foodservice and QSR brands.

Key Responsibilities

• Support New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects from concept through to commercial launch
• Develop, prepare and present product samples in the development kitchen
• Assist with recipe development, reformulation, product optimisation, ingredient testing and supplier evaluations
• Support kitchen trials, factory trials and first production runs
• Research food trends, ingredients and market innovations to inspire new product concepts
• Participate in taste panels, benchmarking and product evaluations
• Support customer presentations, innovation sessions and cross‑functional project meetings
• Collaborate with Commercial, Technical, Process, Procurement and Operations teams to deliver successful product launches
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional development kitchen

What we’re looking for

• Genuine passion for food, cooking and product innovation
• Enthusiasm for creating and developing new food concepts and recipes
• Interest in both hands‑on kitchen work and technical product development
• Organised and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Proactive, curious and problem‑solving mindset
• Eager to learn and develop within an international food business

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree, HND or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts or a related discipline (or equivalent industry experience)
• Strong passion for food and product development
• Good organisational and communication skills
• Computer literate
• Ability to work collaboratively across cross‑functional teams

Desirable

• Experience within FMCG food manufacturing
• Commercial kitchen or foodservice experience
• Exposure to product development or food innovation
• Interest in sauces, dressings, marinades or similar food categories
• Full UK driving licence

Why join Solina?

• Opportunity to work on products for leading foodservice operators and global QSR brands
• Hands‑on experience across the full product development journey, from concept to commercial launch
• Collaborative and supportive R&D team where you’ll learn from experienced colleagues
• Exposure to customer presentations, innovation workshops and cross‑functional projects
• Ongoing mentoring and opportunities to learn, grow and develop your career within an international business

Equal Opportunity

We are open to talents of all backgrounds and welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI commitment.