Technologist

Cardiff Metropolitan University; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days annual leave

LGPS pension scheme

Family friendly policies

Library and digital services access

Sports facilities

Health Assured wellbeing support

Job summary

Cardiff Metropolitan University is seeking two technically skilled professionals to support the ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre in Wales. The role involves working with manufacturers and stakeholders to share knowledge, improve food safety and quality, and aid continuous improvement across the sector.

You will collaborate with industry partners, help develop technical capability, and contribute to growth in Wales' food and drink industry while mentoring placements and representing ZERO2FIVE at

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant science discipline (e.g. Food Science or Food Technology).
• Level 3 HACCP and Level 3 Food Safety in Manufacturing qualifications, or equivalent experience.
• Experience supporting or leading third‑party audit preparation and compliance activities.
• Demonstrated data analysis and report writing within the food sector.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills with a commitment to development and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Introduce best practice in food safety and quality through technical assistance and knowledge transfer.
• Identify opportunities for improvement through gap analysis and internal audits.
• Provide guidance on technical compliance, food safety requirements and third‑party accreditation (e.g., BRCGS, SALSA).
• Support development, validation and launch of new products and processes in line with legislation and quality standards.
• Mentor Work Placements to achieve technical objectives and outputs.
• Represent ZERO2FIVE at events while supporting business development and CPD initiatives.

Skills

Technical experience

Quality management

NPD

Data analysis

Audit preparation

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology

Job description

To support the delivery of technical support to the food and drink manufacturing sector in Wales, we’re looking for two technical professionals to join the ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre. In this role, you’ll work with food and drink manufacturers and wider industry stakeholders to share knowledge, improve food safety and quality practices, and support continuous improvement across the sector.

You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with businesses, industry partners and the ZERO2FIVE Technical Team, helping organisations develop technical capability while contributing to the growth and success of the food and drink industry in Wales.

You’ll Play a Key Role In

• Introducing best practice in food safety and quality through technical assistance and knowledge transfer.
• Identifying opportunities for improvement through gap analysis and internal audits.
• Providing guidance on technical compliance, food safety requirements and third‑party accreditation, including BRCGS and SALSA.
• Supporting the development, validation and launch of new food products and processes in line with legislation and quality standards.
• Managing and mentoring Work Placements to achieve agreed technical objectives and programme outputs.
• Representing ZERO2FIVE at events, conferences and exhibitions while supporting business development, training and continuous professional development initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll bring substantial experience in a technical, quality or NPD role within the food and drink manufacturing sector, across at least two product categories, together with a strong understanding of food legislation, quality management systems and regulatory compliance. You’ll be comfortable working collaboratively with businesses and stakeholders, helping to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions.

Your communication skills will enable you to build effective relationships with partners at all levels, while your analytical approach will support the preparation of reports, audits and technical assessments. You’ll be organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities to meet deadlines.

Additionally, You’ll

• Hold a degree in a relevant science discipline (e.g. Food Science or Food Technology), together with Level 3 HACCP and Level 3 Food Safety in Manufacturing qualifications, or equivalent food manufacturing experience.
• Have experience supporting or leading third‑party audit preparation and compliance activities.
• Demonstrate experience of data analysis and report writing within the food sector.
• Bring excellent interpersonal skills, a collaborative approach to problem solving, and a commitment to teamworking, confidentiality and continuous professional development.
• Be willing to travel regularly and attend events nationally and internationally.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values‑based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We Offer Excellent Benefits Such As

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies - take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

For more information about the role please contact Jess Lacey, Technical Manager on [e-mail].