Process Technologist

Kepak Group; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension

Further Education support

Dedicated L'D Team

Bike to Work Scheme

Long Service Awards

BUPA Cash plan

Job summary

Kepak Foods Division is seeking a Process Technologist to drive product validation, process optimisation, and trial coordination at our York site. You will collaborate with Operations, Technical, Procurement and NPD teams to ensure successful launches and continuous improvement across the manufacturing journey.

The role focuses on supporting stage-gate project delivery, data collection, and process changes while maintaining documentation and reporting standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or qualification in Food Science/Technology/Process Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in meat industry preferred.
• Understanding of food production processes and factory operations.
• Ability to analyse data and identify improvements.
• Good communication and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Support product development, cost optimisation and process improvement projects.
• Coordinate factory, kitchen and production trials with accurate data collection.
• Assist with validation activities including sensory, shelf-life, nutritional assessments.
• Maintain project documentation and trial records to high standards.
• Support first production runs and implementation of changes.

Skills

Experience 2+ yrs

Data analysis

Communication skills

MS Office

Travel willingness

Driving licence

Education

Food Science degree

Process Engineering qualification

Job description

Kepak Foods Division

Kepak Foods Division have developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience, ambient and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland and chosen European markets for both Retail and Foodservice Customers. We have 5 Manufacturing Sites supported by shared services, with 1000 people supporting our vision to become a transformed, future proofed, profitable €0.5bn Food Business by 2030.

At Kepak, we`re looking for a Process Technologist to play a key role in delivering product validation, process optimisation, and coordination of trials in our York site.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of our business, collaborating with Operations, Technical, Procurement, and NPD teams to ensure products are launched successfully, processes are optimised, and continuous improvement remains a priority.

Key Responsibilities

As a Process Technologist, you will support the delivery of projects through the Kepak Stage Gate process, helping to drive efficiency, quality, and value throughout the manufacturing journey.

Project & Process Delivery

• Support the successful delivery of product development, cost optimisation, and process improvement projects.
• Coordinate factory, kitchen, and production trials, ensuring accurate data collection and reporting.
• Assist with product and process validation activities, including sensory, shelf-life, nutritional, and technical assessments.
• Maintain project documentation and trial records to the highest standard.
• Support first production runs and the implementation of approved process changes.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, increase yield, and reduce waste.
• Support ingredient, supplier, and process trials that deliver cost savings and enhanced performance.
• Analyse process data and assist with root cause investigations.

Passion for Food & Quality

• Help deliver high-quality products that exceed customer and consumer expectations.
• Evaluate the impact of process changes on product quality, consistency, and performance.
• Participate in product assessments, sensory evaluations, and validation activities.

• A degree or qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Previous 2+ years experience within a similar position ideally within the Meat Industry
• Understanding of food production processes and factory operations.
• Ability to analyse data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Good communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel between sites when required.
• Full UK Driving Licence

What can we offer you?

• Company Pension
• Further Education support
• Dedicated L'D Team
• Bike to Work Scheme - You can buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
• Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
• BUPA Cash plan free of charge

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