Sample Technician

Kerry Group; West of England; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Group is seeking a Samples Technician for their Portbury, Bristol site. You will prepare and manufacture customer samples, weigh and blend ingredients, and manage sample requests to meet deadlines.

You’ll support innovation projects and maintain stock while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Working in a practical laboratory, you’ll document activities in SAP and Excel, uphold safety and quality standards, and contribute ideas to drive new opportunities.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Data analysis

Problem solving

Scientific curiosity

Teamwork

Independent work

Taste/smell flavours

Ambiguity tolerance

Education

BSc in Food Science

BSc in Food Technology

Related discipline

Tools

SAP

Optiva

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

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.