Development Technologist

Zest Food Jobs; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest Food Jobs is recruiting a Development Technologist for a hands‑on role in our client's R&D kitchen in the UK. You will support NPD and EPD projects from concept to launch, developing recipes and testing ingredients while presenting samples for assessments to the team.

You will join a collaborative, fast‑paced R&D environment backed by a global food group, with exposure to major brands and end‑to‑end product development. Visa applications are not accepted for this role.

Qualifications

• Degree, HND or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts or similar
• Experience in FMCG food manufacturing or related environment is advantageous
• Strong organization and communication skills with a collaborative approach

Responsibilities

• Support NPD and EPD projects from concept through to launch
• Build and present product samples, carry out recipe development and ingredient testing
• Run supplier evaluations and factory trials, participate in taste panels and benchmarking
• Collaborate with Commercial, Technical, Process, Procurement and Operations to bring products to life

Job description

Ever wondered what goes into the food products you see on menus and shelves everywhere? This is a hands‑on role in the development kitchen, helping create products that end up in front of customers across the country, as part of a tight-knit R&D team known for backing new talent and teaching them the trade properly, from the first kitchen sample right through to commercial launch.

As Development Technologist you'll support NPD and EPD projects from concept through to launch, build and present product samples, get stuck into recipe development and ingredient testing, run supplier evaluations and factory trials and take part in taste panels and benchmarking.

You'll also join customer presentations and innovation sessions, working closely with Commercial, Technical, Process, Procurement and Operations to bring products to life.

We're looking for someone with a degree, HND or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts or similar or the industry experience to match, along with a genuine passion for food and product development, strong organisation and communication skills and a collaborative approach across departments. Experience in FMCG food manufacturing, a commercial kitchen or foodservice background or a full UK driving licence would all be an advantage.

This role offers the pace and agility of a smaller team backed by a genuinely global food group, with real exposure to major foodservice and consumer brands, an end‑to‑end view of product development, and ongoing mentoring within a supportive, hands‑on R&D team.

Please note, our client is unable to accept visa applications for this role.