Flavor Lab Technician: Sample Prep & Innovation

Kerry Group; West of England; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Group is seeking a Samples Technician for their Portbury, Bristol site. You will prepare and manufacture customer samples, weigh and blend ingredients, and manage sample requests to meet deadlines.

You’ll support innovation projects and maintain stock while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Working in a practical laboratory, you’ll document activities in SAP and Excel, uphold safety and quality standards, and contribute ideas to drive new opportunities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Good computer literacy and confidence using Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Data analysis and problem-solving capabilities.
• Scientific curiosity and a proactive approach to learning.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.
• Ability to taste and smell flavour ingredients, flavours, and food products as part of the role.
• A second language would be advantageous but is not essential.
• The role involves manual handling and lifting of ingredients and sample materials.
• Recipe batch sizes typically range from 500g to 25kg.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manufacture customer samples and recipes from scratch.
• Accurately weigh, measure, blend, and process ingredients using specialist equipment.
• Manage and prioritise sample requests to meet customer and business deadlines.
• Support new business opportunities while helping maintain existing customer relationships.
• Replenish and manage raw material stock.
• Source ingredients and materials from across the UK, Europe, and global locations when required.
• Maintain accurate records using systems including SAP, Optiva, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Work independently to identify and complete experimental activities that support project objectives.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in accordance with quality standards.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Data analysis

Problem solving

Scientific curiosity

Teamwork

Independent work

Taste/smell flavours

Ambiguity tolerance

Education

BSc in Food Science

BSc in Food Technology

Related discipline

Tools

SAP

Optiva

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Kerry Group is seeking a Samples Technician for their Portbury, Bristol site. You will prepare and manufacture customer samples, weigh and blend ingredients, and manage sample requests to meet deadlines.

You’ll support innovation projects and maintain stock while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Working in a practical laboratory, you’ll document activities in SAP and Excel, uphold safety and quality standards, and contribute ideas to drive new opportunities.