Food Technologist (Fixed Term Contract)

Gousto; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food company is seeking a Category Food Technologist on a fixed-term contract to lead the technical development of food products and raw materials. Based at Gousto sites, you'll ensure compliance with food-safety standards and effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate possesses a degree in Food Science and relevant HACCP certifications. You will drive innovation while maintaining quality and safety across all product lines.

Qualifications

• Experienced product developer or category technologist in food manufacturing.
• Excellent understanding of food-safety and raw-material quality standards.
• Skilled in project management with strong organisational ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development of products and raw materials from concept to launch.
• Ensure all specifications are agreed, including quality attributes and food-safety parameters.
• Conduct food-safety risk assessments for raw materials.

Skills

Project management

Food safety knowledge

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology

HACCP Level 3

Food Safety Level 3

Tools

Google Apps

Job description

Company Description

Gousto is on a mission to become the UK's most loved way to eat dinner, and for every meal to leave the planet better off. Gousto is changing how people shop, cook, and eat food at home. We’re proud to be one of the fastest‑growing companies in the UK, powered by data and a love of food. Our team is diverse and inclusive, guided by the values Dream, Deliver and Care.

Role Overview

Category Food Technologist – Fixed‑term contract (12 months) based at any Gousto site (Claylake, London or Warrington). Reporting to a Senior Manager, you’ll lead the development of new and existing products and raw materials from concept through to launch, working closely with the Buying and Recipe Development teams. The role requires technical expertise and a passion for quality, safety and compliance.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development of products and raw materials from concept to launch.
• Ensure all specifications, including quality attributes and food‑safety parameters, are agreed.
• Conduct food‑safety risk assessments for raw materials.
• Partner with Site Technical and Operations to ensure successful launches across Gousto Fulfilment Centres.
• Establish and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Manage stage‑gate and critical‑path processes to meet agreed timelines.
• Support product benchmarking and raw‑material quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement best‑practice processes and procedures.
• Coordinate transit trials and shelf‑life testing.
• Drive supplier improvement plans, technical visits, and reduce OTIF complaints.
• Sign off artwork and labelling for legal compliance.
• Contribute to the achievement of key departmental KPIs.

Who You Are

• Experienced product developer or category technologist in food manufacturing.
• Excellent understanding of food‑safety and raw‑material quality standards.
• Skilled in project management with strong organisational ability.
• Effective communicator, able to influence and collaborate cross‑functionally.
• Competent in using Google Apps and other standard tools.
• Confident decision maker with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Positive, hands‑on and solutions‑focused mindset.
• Flexible to travel between Gousto sites and suppliers as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology or equivalent experience.
• HACCP Level 3.
• Food Safety Level 3.

Inclusion Statement

We care about our people and the opportunities they have at Gousto. Across our business we lead with inclusivity, striving for equity in all we do. Everyone is welcome – we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you have a job share, please apply as a pair. We support reasonable adjustments to the interview process.