Product Development Technologist

Zest; England; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% bonus

Attractive pension

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Health Cash Plan

Shopping discounts

Staff shop

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Zest is seeking a Product Development Technologist to turn creative sparks into beloved products. You will develop recipes for branded and private label ranges, guide them through factory trials and scale-up, and apply consumer insight and sensory research to drive projects from concept to shelf.

Ideal candidates have a Food Science or related degree and at least a year in FMCG R&D/Technical/Quality roles, with strong organisation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Nutrition or related subject.
• At least 1 year of experience in FMCG R&D, Technical or Quality role.
• Strong organisation and communication skills.
• Full driving licence and own car required due to location.

Responsibilities

• Develop recipes across branded and private label ranges in the R&D kitchen.
• Guide products through factory trials and scale-up.
• Utilise consumer insight, sensory research and stage gate methodology to own projects from spark to shelf.
• Champion food safety and quality throughout the process.

Skills

Strong organisation

Great communication

Passion for food health sustainability

Food industry drive

Education

Degree in Food Science

Degree in Nutrition or related subject

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.