Product Development Technologist - Grocery

Wasabi UK; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company is seeking a Product Development Technologist to join their Food Team in Park Royal, London. The role involves developing innovative food products, managing projects from concept to launch, and collaborating closely with culinary and procurement teams. Ideal candidates will have a background in food technology and a passion for culinary trends. The company offers a supportive environment with competitive benefits and an exciting path for professional growth.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Target Bonus

Free Sushi or hot food

50% discount in our Branches

Employee Assistant Programme

Long Service Awards

Wagestream

Life Assurance

Cycle To Work

Free on-site parking

Variety of discounts through Perkbox

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Process or Food Technologist in food manufacturing.
• Demonstrates knowledge of South Asian, Japanese, and Korean food trends.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new food products, ensuring alignment with technical standards.
• Manage product development from concept to launch, including documentation.
• Conduct organoleptic and shelf-life testing to validate product performance.

Skills

Knowledge of food

Creativity

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication

Education

Qualified degree in food-related discipline

Tools

Certificate in Food Hygiene

Job description

Founded in 2003 Wasabi's vision is to lovingly create and serve delicious Asian food for a busy nation.

Wasabi now has40 thriving restaurants across London and major UK cities and 4 in New Yorkand in 2019,we introduced Wasabi Home Bento, launched exclusively inSainsbury’s. Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach toTescoin September 2022, followed by exciting launches inCo-op and Morrisonsin 2024. Today, Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready-meal brand, setting new standards for quality and innovation.

Wasabi’s menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite.

We have an ambitious 5-year growth strategy, focusing on new restaurants, franchise partnerships, and international expansion.

As we prepare for our next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for a Product Development Technologist to join our Food Teambased in Park Royal.

The Role:

Play a key role in technical food development, driving launch-ready projects and converting kitchen recipes into scalable, operational products.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Lead the hands-on development of new and existing food products, ensuring alignment with briefs and technical standards.Collaborate with chefs, procurement, and technical teams to create and refine commercially viable recipes suitable for production. Adapt recipes to CPU and factory capabilities, solving challenges to deliver optimal results.Accurately document recipes, preparation methods, yields, nutritional information, and costing according to company standardsWrite cooking and reheating instructions and complete product attribute documentation for gate approvals.Conduct organoleptic and shelf-life testing during development to validate product performance and feasibility.Manage new product development (NPD) and existing product development (EPD) from concept through to launch, including critical path ownership.Present products at key stages of development and lead handovers to process and production teams.Source and validate new raw materials with procurement, ensuring suitability for culinary and operational requirements.Attend CPU upscale trials and support process development to maintain quality and consistency at scale.Drive food quality improvement initiatives, including resolving quality issues and customer complaints.Facilitate and participate in taste panels, benchmarking sessions, and regular product quality reviews.Prepare and provide samples for presentations, photography, and marketing, including food styling support.Maintain a clean and organised development kitchen, managing stock and ordering raw materials as needed

Our Requirements:

• Previous experience working as a Process or Food Technologist within the food manufacturing industry.
• Qualified degree in a food related discipline – food science, technology, home economics.
• Demonstrates an above standard knowledge of food, ingredients, and culinary practices.
• Highly creative and passionate about food with knowledge of South Asian, Japanese and Korean food trends and good industry awareness.
• Certificate in Food Hygiene
• A proactive personality, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• A methodical approach, be organised with good prioritisation skills, the ability to work to short deadlines and attention to detail.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Can work on multiple projects simultaneously with ease and thriving in a busy fast-paced environment.

In return we provide:

• A great working environment
• Pension scheme
• Target Bonus
• Refer A Friend Scheme
• Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
• 50% discount in our Branches
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Hybrid working model
• Long Service Awards
• Wagestream - a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings
• Life Assurance
• Cycle To Work
• Free on-site parking
• A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and
• The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.

Our people make us who we are. If you're looking for an exciting challenge and this sounds like the job for you please apply today as we can't wait to hear from you.

COME ROLL WITH US!