Sample Technician

Kerry; West of England; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry in Portbury, Bristol, is seeking a Samples Technician to join our food science team. You will prepare high-quality customer samples, support innovation projects, and ensure requests are delivered accurately and on time.

You\'ll weigh and blend ingredients using specialist equipment, manage raw material stock, and keep records in SAP/Optiva and Office tools. You may collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to new opportunities while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manufacture customer samples and recipes from scratch.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Attention to detail

MS Office proficiency

Strong communication

Data analysis

Scientific curiosity

Independent & team work

Fast-paced environment

Taste & smell palate

Second language advantageous

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology or related

Tools

SAP

Optiva

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About The Role

Are you passionate about food, flavour, and product development? Do you enjoy working in a practical laboratory and sample preparation environment where no two days are the same? We are looking for a Samples Technician to join our team in Portbury, Bristol. In this role, you'll play a key part in preparing high-quality customer samples, supporting innovation projects, and ensuring requests are delivered accurately and on time. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams while contributing creative ideas and helping bring new opportunities to life.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and manufacture customer samples and recipes from scratch.
• Accurately weigh, measure, blend, and process ingredients using specialist equipment.
• Manage and prioritise sample requests to meet customer and business deadlines.
• Support new business opportunities while helping maintain existing customer relationships.
• Replenish and manage raw material stock.
• Source ingredients and materials from across the UK, Europe, and global locations when required.
• Maintain accurate records using systems including SAP, Optiva, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Work independently to identify and complete experimental activities that support project objectives.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in accordance with quality standards.

Qualifications And Skills

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Good computer literacy and confidence using Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Data analysis and problem-solving capabilities.
• Scientific curiosity and a proactive approach to learning.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.
• Ability to taste and smell flavour ingredients, flavours, and food products as part of the role.
• A second language would be advantageous but is not essential.
• The role involves manual handling and lifting of ingredients and sample materials.
• Recipe batch sizes typically range from 500g to 25kg.