Food Innovation Technologist

Jus-Rol; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food brand in the UK is seeking a Food Innovation Technologist to spearhead new product development. The role involves blending culinary creativity with technical expertise and managing projects from concept to launch. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in food innovation, possess excellent project management skills, and demonstrate a collaborative mindset. This position offers enhanced holiday entitlement, flexible working hours, and the chance to contribute to a growing brand.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Flexitime

On-site parking

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Proven experience in NPD, food innovation, or technical development.
• Strong culinary creativity combined with technical understanding.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborative mindset with a passion for improvement.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop new product concepts aligned with brand strategy.
• Manage NPD projects from concept through to launch.
• Conduct market reviews and competitor benchmarking.
• Prepare specifications and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with marketing to inspire product usage.

Skills

NPD experience

Culinary creativity

Project management

Market analysis

Compliance understanding

Job description

Food Innovation Technologist

Join Jus-Rol as a Food Innovation Technologist

Location: Head Office, Knutsford, Cheshire (5 days a week)

Hours: Mon–Thurs 08:45–17:15 | Fri 08:45–16:30 – flexibility offered around core hours

Reporting to: Managing Director

Salary: £45,000–£55,000 (depending on experience)

Benefits:

• Pension scheme
• Flexitime with core hours 10:00–15:00 (office/kitchen-based)
• On-site parking with electric car charging
• Lifestyle benefits

About Jus-Rol

We are the UK and ROI’s leading dough brand, on an exciting journey to rebuild and grow our beloved brand. At Jus-Rol, we live and breathe food innovation—combining creativity with technical excellence to deliver products that delight consumers and set market trends.

We celebrate success, invest in career development, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where continuous improvement is part of our DNA. If you’re passionate about food and want to make a real impact, this is your opportunity.

Role Overview

As a Food Innovation Technologist, you’ll play a pivotal role in concept-to-launch product development, blending culinary creativity with technical rigour. You’ll work across kitchen trials, compliance, and project management to deliver new products and evolve existing ranges.

This hybrid role combines hands‑on development with strategic input—perfect for someone who loves food, understands market trends, and can manage projects with precision.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovation & Development: Create and develop new product concepts and recipes aligned with brand strategy and consumer trends.
• Drive EPD (Existing Product Development) to optimise current ranges for quality and market relevance.
• Project Management: Manage NPD projects from concept through to launch, ensuring timelines and KPIs are met.
• Coordinate trials and production runs with UK and European manufacturing partners.
• Market & Trend Analysis: Conduct regular market reviews and competitor benchmarking to identify growth opportunities.
• Translate insights into actionable product ideas that excite consumers.
• Technical & Compliance: Prepare specifications, submission forms, and technical documentation in line with food safety standards.
• Support horizon scanning for legislation and ensure legal artwork sign‑off for packaging.
• Collaboration & Brand Engagement: Work with marketing to inspire product usage and create engaging content (think viral recipe ideas and social media trends).
• Participate in quality panels and benchmarking sessions to maintain brand standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in NPD, food innovation, or technical development within FMCG or food manufacturing.
• Strong culinary creativity combined with technical understanding of compliance and processes.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to work at pace and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• A collaborative mindset and passion for continuous improvement.

What Success Looks Like

• Innovative products launched on time and within budget.
• Strong alignment with brand strategy and consumer trends.
• Documented processes and compliance maintained to the highest standards.
• Positive engagement with marketing and cross‑functional teams to drive brand visibility.

Why Join Jus-Rol?

• Be part of a brand with heritage and ambitious growth plans.
• Work in a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
• Career progression as the brand continues to grow.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working hours

REF-225 516