R&D Technician

Valeo; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation company based in Gateshead is looking for an enthusiastic R&D Technician to join their Innovation and Marketing team. The role is key in developing snack products from concept to process handover, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards. Responsibilities include collaboration with various teams, preparing product samples, managing R&D documentation, and maintaining high hygiene standards in the kitchen. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative food products.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development and handling R&D processes.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.
• Familiarity with nutritional testing and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the R&D team in product development.
• Collaborate with various teams to ensure product success.
• Prepare product samples and manage R&D documentation.
• Maintain hygiene standards in the R&D kitchen.

Skills

Team collaboration

Product development

Quality assurance

Nutritional analysis

Job description

Valeo Foods at Team Valley, Gateshead are seeking an enthusiastic R&D Technician to join our Innovation and Marketing team. This role is central to supporting the development of new snack products across our branded and retailer own-brand ranges. You will be involved from concept stage through to process handover, ensuring products meet quality, safety, legal, and cost standards while being delivered on time.

Responsibilities

• Support the R&D team in developing new products and changes to existing products.
• Collaborate with Insights, Brands, Procurement, Technical, and Operations teams to ensure innovation aligns with consumer and customer insight.
• Engage with internal brand teams, retailer customers, and suppliers through meetings and site visits.
• Promote a foodie culture within the NPD team and wider business.
• Manage R&D sample requests: receipting, recording, preparing, labelling, packing, and arranging deliveries.
• Prepare product concept samples in the R&D kitchen, including flavouring and seasoning trials.
• Collect product bases from production lines and coordinate bulk supplies with seasoning suppliers.
• Prepare nutritional samples and arrange testing with technical teams.
• Evaluate new seasonings using cup & flow test methods, recording and sharing results.
• Collect raw materials, packaging, and finished products from factories and warehouses to maintain inventory supply.
• Attend and support pre-production trials and first productions alongside process and operations teams.
• Complete and record R&D documentation in line with development procedures.
• Conduct store checks, purchase competitor samples, and benchmark products.
• Maintain high hygiene standards in the NPD kitchen and storage areas.