Product Development Technologist

Zest; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus: 5%

Pension

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Health Cash Plan

Staff shop

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Zest is partnering with a loved food brand to recruit a Product Development Technologist. You’ll turn creative sparks into market-ready products, leading from concept to factory trials within R&D.

A recent graduate or early-career professional with a degree in Food Science or Nutrition and at least a year in FMCG R&D/Technical/Quality will thrive with strong organisation, communication and a passion for food, health and sustainability. Hybrid role; driving licence required.

Qualifications

• Hold a degree in Food Science, Nutrition or a related subject.
• At least a year of experience in an FMCG R&D, Technical or Quality role.
• Strong organisation and communication skills; passion for food, health and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Own projects from concept to supermarket shelf using stage gate methodology.
• Develop recipes in R&D kitchen and guide them through factory trials and scale-up.
• Ensure food safety and quality throughout the development process.

Skills

Organisation

Communication

Food safety & quality

Project management

Education

Food Science / Nutrition degree

Tools

Sensory research

Job description

Imagine walking into a supermarket and spotting a product you created sitting proudly on the shelf. We are partnering with a much-loved food brand known for bold thinking and natural ingredients and they're searching for a curious Product Development Technologist ready to turn creative sparks into products people genuinely love.

My client is a true category pioneer with the backing of a major international food group, offering the security of a big business blended with the energy of a brand that loves to think differently. You will bring ideas to life across branded and private label ranges, crafting recipes in the R&D kitchen before guiding them through factory trials and scale up. Using consumer insight, sensory research and stage gate methodology, you'll own projects from first spark to supermarket shelf while championing food safety and quality throughout.

This is a brilliant opportunity for a recent graduate or someone early in their food industry journey. You will hold a degree in Food Science, Nutrition or a related subject alongside at least a year of experience in an FMCG R&D, Technical or Quality role and placements absolutely count. Strong organisation, great communication and a genuine passion for food, health and sustainability will help you thrive. Due to the location you'll need a full driving licence and your own car.

The package is every bit as tempting as the products.

• 30,000 plus a 5% bonus
• attractive pension
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• a Health Cash Plan
• shopping discounts
• a staff shop
• free onsite parking

Hours are Monday to Friday. 3 days on site and 2 days WFH.

Please note, our client is unable to accept visa applications for this role.

Requirements

• Hold a degree in Food Science, Nutrition or a related subject
• At least a year of experience in an FMCG R&D, Technical or Quality role and placements absolutely count
• Strong organisation, great communication and a genuine passion for food, health and sustainability
• Full driving licence and your own car