Process Technologist

KP Snacks; Rugeley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack manufacturer is seeking a Process Technologist for a two-year fixed-term role based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch or Billingham. The position involves working within Research and Development to support product optimisation across well-known brands. A degree in a relevant field is required, along with experience in FMCG R&D. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams. This role supports sustainability goals and offers comprehensive healthcare and a bonus scheme.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme with a strong track record of overachievement

Comprehensive healthcare support

KP Pension Plan – contribution matching up to 7%

25 days holiday, plus option to buy more

KP4ME – online platform for benefits and wellbeing tools

Qualifications

• A degree in Food Science, Physical Science or Formulation Engineering (or equivalent).
• Experience in FMCG R&D or cross‑functional project work.
• Strong technical knowledge of food ingredients and processing.
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem‑solving skills.
• A flexible, collaborative approach and willingness to travel regularly.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support factory and pilot plant trials, ensuring accurate data capture and analysis.
• Optimise recipes and processes to meet consumer expectations for taste, quality and value.
• Ensure all product development meets statutory, legal, customer and food safety requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver successful product launches.
• Contribute to sustainability goals through innovation in packaging, raw materials and energy use.

Skills

Strong technical knowledge of food ingredients and processing

Excellent communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Experience in FMCG R&D

Organisational skills

Flexibility and collaboration

Education

Degree in Food Science, Physical Science or Formulation Engineering

Job description

Process Technologist

Ashby-de-la-Zouch or Billingham

On-site

This is a two-year fixed term role that involves regular travel between our Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Billingham sites. You’ll need to be comfortable with extended periods away from home, including overnight stays from Monday to Friday over several weeks. Travel and accommodation will be covered by KP Snacks.

Join our snack-loving team

We’re looking for a Process Technologist to join us at KP Snacks. If you’re ready to bring your ideas to the table, grow your skills and be part of a team that values what makes you, you – this could be your next big move.

About the role

This role sits within our Research and Development team and supports a major transformation programme across the KP Branded Snacks portfolio. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Engineering, Manufacturing and Commercial to help develop and optimise products for some of our most iconic brands.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven team, helping to shape the future of snacking through robust trial execution, continuous improvement and a strong focus on food safety and quality.

What’s in it for you?

• Annual bonus scheme, with a strong track record of overachievement
• Comprehensive healthcare support – including Medicash Health Cash Plan, Digital GP, Best Doctors second opinion service and specialist cancer care
• KP Pension Plan – contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
• 25 days holiday, plus the option to buy more
• KP4ME – our online platform for benefits, discounts, wellbeing tools and more

What will you be doing?

• Lead and support factory and pilot plant trials, ensuring accurate data capture and analysis
• Optimise recipes and processes to meet consumer expectations for taste, quality and value
• Ensure all product development meets statutory, legal, customer and food safety requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver successful product launches
• Contribute to sustainability goals through innovation in packaging, raw materials and energy use

Who are we?

We’re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. Across more than 30 countries, over 15,000 of us work together to make the snacks people love – from Hula Hoops to McCoy’s. In the UK, we’re a team of around 2,400 colleagues, based across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We’re proud of our close-knit culture, where we speak up, celebrate differences and push boundaries together.

We’re committed to inclusion

We’re building a workplace where everyone belongs. If you don’t tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you – your unique perspective could be just what we need. And if there’s anything we can do to make the process easier for you, just let us know.

We’d love to hear from you if you can bring :

• A degree in Food Science, Physical Science or Formulation Engineering (or equivalent)
• Experience in FMCG R&D or cross‑functional project work
• Strong technical knowledge of food ingredients and processing
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem‑solving skills
• A flexible, collaborative approach and willingness to travel regularly