Principle Development Technologist

Zest; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest is recruiting a Principal Development Technologist to join its R&D function in Derbyshire. The role leads innovation and technical projects across Europe, shaping capabilities and supporting growth through sustainable, health-conscious products.

You will partner with Global and Regional teams, manage budgets, and drive knowledge transfer, ensuring confidentiality of formulas and IP, while guiding local teams with strong leadership and problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Proven NPD experience in UK food manufacturing.
• Ability to lead multiple projects with cross-functional teams.
• Experience in nutritional reformulation and health/nutrition.
• Knowledge management and knowledge transfer experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute key innovation, technical, and value leadership projects.
• Collaborate with Global and Regional category teams to support regional projects.
• Build capability within local teams and manage budgets.
• Prepare presentations, work instructions, training documents, and detailed technical reports.

Skills

NPD leadership

R&D knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder management

Sustainability focus

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Food Science

MSc preferred

Tools

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

Food formulation software

Job description

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading global food ingredients business for a Principal Development Technologist to join their R&D function in Derbyshire. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced NPD professional with a background in UK food manufacturing to take on a leading role in shaping the company's technical expertise and capabilities, driving innovation that supports the wider business growth strategy across Europe.

As Principal S&D Technologist, you will take responsibility for developing and executing key innovation, technical, and value leadership projects, playing a central role in building capability within local teams. You will work closely with both Global and Regional category teams to support the delivery of regional projects, while also taking ownership of knowledge management and knowledge transfer more widely. Building and maintaining strong relationships with external technology partners, co-manufacturers, and ingredient suppliers will be a key part of the role, helping to bring the business's Purpose Driven Strategy to life with a particular focus on sustainability and health and nutrition.

You will communicate regularly across a wide range of internal functions, including Unit and European R&D teams, Regulatory, Nutrition, Marketing, and Quality, to exchange technical information and ensure projects stay on track. Strong communication skills will be essential, as you will be responsible for preparing presentations, work instructions, training documents, and detailed technical reports to share knowledge and learnings effectively across the business.

You will also manage project budgets and lead nutritional reformulation projects, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality around product formulas and intellectual property.

The successful candidate will bring proven NPD experience gained within UK food manufacturing, along with the ability to work independently, using sound judgement and ingenuity to approach complex innovation and technology projects. You will need to demonstrate strong technical and problem‑solving skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines effectively, and genuine leadership qualities to guide projects through to successful completion. A collaborative, resilient, and customer‑focused approach will be essential, along with the enthusiasm to take on new challenges with energy and a sense of urgency.