Process Development Technologist

David Wood Foods Ltd; Dudley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading baking manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Process Development Technologist to support the development and optimization of manufacturing processes. The role requires working closely with multiple teams to ensure successful product launches and compliance with food safety standards. Candidates should have experience in food manufacturing and process development, as well as strong organizational skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered including a company car and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Company car (pool car)

Pension scheme

20 days holiday + bank holidays

Occupational Health

Life Insurance after 12 months service

Qualifications

• Experience in a Process Development, NPD, or Technical role within food manufacturing.
• Good understanding of high-volume food production processes.
• Strong ability to manage multiple trials and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support development and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
• Plan, run, and document process trials.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Skills

Process Development

Food safety standards knowledge

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Food science, food technology, or related qualification

Tools

Bakery equipment

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Process Development Technologist

Company: David Wood Baking

Reporting to: NPD Manager

Location: Dudley Base (DY2) – but will be required to travel across all our UK manufacturing sites

Shift: Mon – Fri (9hrs per day), however must be flexible to work Nights/Weekends when necessary for customer visits/launches

Role Overview:

David Wood Baking is a leading baking manufacturer supplying all major UK retailers and food service customers. We are looking for a Process Development Technologist to support the development, optimisation, and implementation of manufacturing processes across our bakery operations.

The role focuses on translating product concepts and specifications into robust, repeatable factory processes that deliver consistent quality, food safety, and efficiency at scale. Working closely with NPD, Production, Commercial, Engineering, and Technical teams, the Process Development Technologist will play a key role in product trials, scale-up, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Product Development:

• Support the development and optimisation of bakery manufacturing processes from concept through to full-scale production.
• Assist with factory trials, line trials, and product launches, ensuring processes are capable and repeatable.
• Translate kitchen, bench, or pilot recipes into scalable factory processes.

Trials, Scale-Up & Launch:

• Plan, run, and document process trials, including raw material, equipment, and parameter optimisation.
• Support first productions and handover to Operations, ensuring smooth and controlled launches.
• Identify and resolve process-related issues during scale-up.

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure all processes comply with food safety, HACCP, BRCGS, and customer-specific standards.
• Work closely with Technical and Quality teams to ensure specifications, process controls, and CCPs are correctly implemented.
• Support customer and third-party audits where required.

Documentation & Specifications

• Create and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and trial reports.
• Ensure manufacturing instructions and control points are clearly defined and communicated.
• Update specifications following process changes or improvements.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, yield, consistency, and waste reduction.
• Support cost-saving initiatives through process optimisation and material performance improvements.
• Use data and factory feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams.
• Act as a key link between NPD and Operations during development and launch phases.
• Support retailer and food service customer requirements related to process capability.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Experience in a Process Development, NPD, or Technical role within food manufacturing (bakery experience strongly preferred).
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes within high-volume food production.
• Knowledge of food safety standards including HACCP and BRCGS.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple trials and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable:

• Experience working with UK retailers and food service customers.
• Food science, food technology, or related qualification.
• Experience with bakery equipment such as mixers, provers, ovens, and slicing/packing lines.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, practical approach with a strong presence on the factory floor.
• Methodical, detail-focused, and well organised.
• Confident communicator able to work across functions.
• Flexible and resilient in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Company car (This would be a pool car)
• Pension Scheme 20 days holiday + bank holidays
• Occupational Health
• Life Insurance after 12 months service (4 X last P60 earnings)
• Exposure to all major UK retailers and food service customers.
• Opportunities to develop technical and process expertise within a growing bakery manufacturer.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.