R&D Raw Material Category Specialist

TN United Kingdom; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food business is looking for an R&D Raw Material Category Specialist to drive ingredients innovation globally. The role involves setting the R&D strategy, researching new ingredients, and collaborating with suppliers and teams. This hands-on position requires a degree in Food Science or Bioscience Engineering and strong project management skills. The job is full-time, mainly site-based with some international travel.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge in food ingredient functionality.
• Strong project management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead R&D strategy for raw material categories.
• Research market for innovative new ingredients.
• Liaise with suppliers and present to colleagues.

Education

Degree in Food Science

Bioscience Engineering

Job description

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R&D Raw Material Category Specialist, Hertfordshire

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Client:

Focus Management Consultants

Location:

Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

9c721fd5f03b

Job Views:

3

Posted:

14.05.2025

Expiry Date:

28.06.2025

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Job Description:

This job is now CLOSED – for similar roles please check the Development function.

R&D Raw Material Category Specialist opportunity to drive ingredients innovation on a global stage with a leading food business.

In this role, you will set and lead the R&D strategy for the raw material categories under your responsibility. As part of a central global R&D team, this will involve working closely with your colleagues in global Procurement and global Quality teams.

You’ll research the market to identify innovative new ingredients and start-ups, focusing on achieving the company’s innovation goals and sustainability targets.

This will involve working closely with ingredient suppliers to understand their capabilities and technologies. You’ll compare new and existing ingredients in the lab and carry out functionality tests.

You’ll set the list of preferred suppliers and ensure all technical information required is available across the group.

You’ll be responsible for the successful roll-out of ingredients, organising training for the wider group in materials usage and understanding.

This is a hands-on R&D role where you’ll spend over half of your time in the lab. You’ll also be liaising with suppliers regularly and presenting to colleagues across the business. As part of a collaborative, global team of category experts, you’ll work jointly on international projects to support the wider group.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need a degree in Food Science or Bioscience Engineering with strong technical knowledge in food ingredient functionality. With strong project management and communication skills, you’ll be good at building positive relationships with others and imparting knowledge of your specialist area.

This is a full-time Monday – Friday days-based role, mainly site-based with some international travel.