Senior Process Technologist

Valeo Foods UK; Heanor; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Career Opportunities

Matched pension scheme up to 10%

Death in service

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Valeo Foods UK, at the Matthew Walker site in Heanor, is seeking a Senior Process Technologist to join the New Product Development team. You will create accurate internal specifications, support product transfers from concept to launch, and help improve processes across the factory.

Reporting to the R&D Manager (Process), you will lead factory trials, compile reports, and ensure critical path timelines are met while coordinating with customers and internal teams.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a food manufacturing environment would be desirable.
• Degree or equivalent in Food Science or related discipline.
• All round computer skills – Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Run factory scale-up trials and coordinate the implementation of new recipes and materials into the factory.
• Completion of factory trial reports and handover of trial information to the factory.
• Lead CI projects to support the site process improvement plan.
• Coordinate the thermal validation requirements for site.
• Maintain trial documentation including organoleptic testing, sampling and reporting.
• Support post-launch production and troubleshoot day-to-day process issues.

Education

Degree in Food Science

Job description

Company Description

At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation.

Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week.

As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK.

Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.

Job Description

Senior Process Technologist

Matthew Walker - Heanor

Monday to Friday 7.30-3.30

Valeo Foods are excited to offer a new opportunity at our renowned Matthew Walker site in Heanor — home to some of the most delicious Christmas puddings and sponges in the UK. We’re looking for a Senior Process Technologist to join our New Product Development team.

In this role, reporting to the R&D Manager (Process) you’ll will create accurate internal product specifications, support the transfer of products from concept to launch, and play a vital part in improving processes across the factory.

Key Accountabilities

Process Development and factory trials

• Run effective factory scale up trials and co-ordinate the implementation of new recipes and materials into the factory.
• Completion of factory trial reports.
• Support the product handover process to the factory by providing accurate trial information.
• Run continuous improvement projects to support the site process improvement plan.
• Undertaking all sample testing and organoleptic assessments, with support from the Process Technologist, supporting effective management of critical paths to land projects on time.
• Co-ordinate the thermal validation requirements for site.

Customer

• Builds effective relationships with customers to ensure we meet their needs
• Create QAS documentation and attend customer factory trials/ launches where required.

Key Tasks

• To provide accurate and appropriate information for the writing of internal specifications to the Process Technologist Ensure that any recipes ready to be handed over to the factory contain appropriate batching details, and factory information for a smooth and accurate transition.
• Attend NPD panels, capturing detailed feedback and insights to support factory trials.
• Own the trial process for NPD & EPD. Organize, and run factory trials.
• Ensure all trial follow-up activities are completed, accurately documented and communicated, including organoleptic assessments, microbiological and nutritional testing, tip-outs, photo standards, trial reports, batching records, reheat verification, ERH completion, shelf-life evaluations, and the preparation and dispatch of trial samples to customers.
• Create accurate Quality attributes for products for both internal and external customers and ensure provision of samples for customers.
• Audit 1st Productions of new product and support on customer visits for 1st production launches.
• 2nd checks of Process documentation as required
• Support and deliver CI projects in line with the Process team CI programme.
• Carry out data logging on the steam retorts in accordance with Customer codes of practice.
• Support the operations team on post launch production.
• Support in trouble shooting day to day process and product related factory issues.

Qualifications

Qualifications and knowledge

• 3+ years in a food manufacturing environment with job related experience would be desirable
• Degree or equivalent in Food Science or related discipline
• All round computer skills – excel, word, PP.

Qualities And Experience

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Diligent and attention to detail
• Managing a high intake of information from different sources
• Managing timelines and prioritizing
• Organized and able to both multi-task and prioritize effectively
• Accuracy for figures and codes and problem-solving skills
• Confident in building relationships internally and externally
• Excellent organizational skills
• A drive to succeed

Additional Information

What we offer you in return

• Excellent Career Opportunities
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• And plenty more!