Sr. R&D Technologist

Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nutrition company in the UK is seeking a Senior Research and Development Technologist to lead innovative projects in sports nutrition. This role involves managing cross-functional teams, conducting complex laboratory experiments, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. With over 5 years of experience required, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science and a passion for product innovation. The position offers hybrid working, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a research and development role.
• Proven experience leading projects from concept to commercialisation.
• Expert knowledge of food chemistry and formulation principles.
• Strong understanding of sensory evaluation methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research and development projects.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior members.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments and trials.
• Collaborate with teams to optimize sports nutrition products.

Skills

Food chemistry

Nutrition

Formulation principles

Laboratory techniques

Project management

Analytical abilities

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry

Job description

Join this dynamic team focused on delivering better nutrition for every step of life’s journey.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Research and Development Technologist to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Research and Development Manager, in this role, you will be responsible for leading and executing research and development projects, providing technical expertise, and guiding the team to develop innovative solutions. Your in-depth knowledge of formulation, laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements will be crucial in driving our product innovation, quality improvement, and expansion initiatives.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research and development projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and optimise sports nutrition products.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Conduct research, literature reviews, and market analysis to identify trends, scientific advancements, and consumer demands to drive innovation.
• Design and execute complex laboratory experiments, tests, and trials to assess product quality, stability, and effectiveness.
• Develop and optimise product formulations, considering factors such as ingredients, nutrition profile, functionality, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate and source new ingredients, technologies, and suppliers for product enhancement.
• Conduct sensory evaluations, consumer testing, and market research to gather feedback and insights for product refinement.
• Oversee scale-up processes from laboratory to production, ensuring smooth and efficient transfer of formulations and maintaining product consistency.
• Maintain accurate documentation of experimental procedures, results, and observations, adhering to internal protocols and regulatory guidelines.
• Stay informed about industry regulations, certifications, and market trends, ensuring compliance and identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs teams to ensure successful project execution and product launches.
• Continuously improve laboratory practices, methodologies, and processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality standards.

Qualification & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a research and development role, preferably within the food or sports nutrition industry.
• Proven experience in leading and executing research and development projects from concept to commercialisation.
• Expert knowledge of food chemistry, nutrition, formulation principles, and laboratory techniques.
• Strong understanding of sensory evaluation methodologies and consumer testing techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to sports nutrition product development.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of driving innovation and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in conducting complex laboratory experiments, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

We are committed to the professional development and growth of our team members. We believe in nurturing talent from within our organisation. As you join us in this role, the exciting natural career progression opportunity that awaits you is to explore leadership opportunities within our organisation and lead our research and development teams.

Limited overnight travel (<10%) by land and/or air.

The opportunity will be based in Middlesbrough with hybrid working arrangements available, which allows you greater choice in how you work and live, giving you a better work-life balance.

We celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a variety of candidates. We will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.