Senior Food Technologist

Lime Talent; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lime Talent in London is seeking a Senior Food Technologist to lead the technical delivery of new product development from concept through commercialization, ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance while driving innovation.

You will work cross-functionally with NPD, Operations, Supply Chain and external partners, manage trials, specifications, and supplier approvals, and balance quality with cost in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or related discipline.
• Significant experience as Food Technologist / Senior Food Technologist in food manufacturing or branded sector.
• Proven experience launching products from concept to commercialization.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality systems, HACCP, and UK legislation.
• Experience working with retailers, manufacturers and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of new product development and improvements.
• Manage factory trials, product validations, and launches.
• Collaborate with co-manufacturers and suppliers to ensure quality and performance.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, technical docs, and quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with UK food legislation and retailer requirements.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement across the product portfolio.
• Conduct risk assessments and manage quality issues through root cause analysis and CAPA.
• Coordinate with procurement and supply chain on ingredient approvals.

Skills

Food science knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder management

Quality systems

HACCP

UK food regulation

Education

Degree in Food Science

Job description

Senior Food technologist

London - Hybrid

We're working with a high-growth, category-disrupting food brand on a mission to redefine the way consumers experience food. Combining innovation, quality, and consumer insight, we've built a rapidly expanding business with ambitious plans for the future.

As they continue their growth journey, they're looking for a talented and commercially minded Senior Food Technologist to play a pivotal role in bringing innovative products to market, driving quality excellence, and supporting the scale-up of our expanding product portfolio. If you're passionate about food innovation, thrive in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment, and enjoy turning great ideas into successful products, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role As Senior Food Technologist, you'll work cross-functionally with NPD, Operations, Supply Chain, Technical, and external manufacturing partners to ensure products are developed, launched, and maintained to the highest standards.

You'll take ownership of the technical delivery of projects from concept through to commercialisation, ensuring products meet quality, safety, regulatory, and customer requirements while maintaining the brand's commitment to innovation and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of new product development and product improvement projects.
• Manage factory trials, product validations, and commercial launches.
• Work closely with co-manufacturers and suppliers to ensure consistent product quality and performance.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, technical documentation, and quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with UK food legislation, retailer requirements, and relevant certification standards.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives across the product portfolio.
• Conduct risk assessments and manage product quality issues through root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams on ingredient and supplier approval processes.
• Provide technical expertise to internal stakeholders and external partners.

Stay abreast of emerging food trends, ingredients, technologies, and industry developments.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with a proactive, hands-on approach and a passion for innovation.

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in a Food Technologist or Senior Food Technologist role within the food manufacturing or branded food sector.
• Proven experience managing product launches from concept through to commercialisation.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality systems, HACCP, and UK food legislation.
• Experience working with retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to balance quality, innovation, and cost considerations.

Desirable

• Experience within a high-growth food brand or entrepreneurial FMCG environment.
• Exposure to chilled, ambient, plant-based, snacking, or convenience food categories.
• Knowledge of retailer technical standards and audit requirements.
• Experience working with international suppliers and manufacturing partners.