R&D Technologist

Acorn Recruitment is looking for experienced R&D Technologist to work within a prestigious food manufacturer in North Wales.

The successful candidate:

The candidate will have a degree in relevant subject such as Food Technology or Food Science, plus related industrial experience in a factory / processing environment.

Experience and understanding of the food and drink industry, with a clear understanding of the NPD process.

Practical experience in developing a variety of food products.

Main accountabilities and responsibilities:

· Develop products against allocated project briefs, write & create recipes within a formal record, including all recipe details and test results.

· Present product samples to Managers / Directors and customers on time with the required supporting data.

· Support innovations team in delivery of new products through attendance at trials & offering technical guidance.

· Data assessment and organoleptic assessment of samples.

· Presentation of data to Managers and Directors.

· Ensure all internal communications are clear between departments and manufacturing personnel. Ensure manufacturing viability and practicalities, food safety / HACCP / TACCP and costs issues are raised and followed through with appropriate management.

· Prepare all recipes, data and technical information to hand over to new product launch plan by helping to organise factory trials and post production approval (manufacturing specifications, recording results and assessing final products).

· Ensure micro analysis and shelf life tests are carried out in time on new products as appropriate by liaison with QA Manager.

· Liaise with suppliers on ingredients and packaging on a continuous basis in order to assess and approve new ingredients and packaging at kitchen stage.

· Report weekly to Brand Innovations Manager and Site Manager and regularly to central technical team and liaise on technical matters.

· To maintain and report current development, ensuring that the information is available and up to date at all the time.

· Manage the R&D facility to Site standard.

· Manage the NPD man-hours summary sheet.

· Identify new ideas and opportunities which can be added to the innovation list.

· Assist the factory manager in driving forward improvements and efficiencies.

Key skills required:

· Food Science or Technology qualification.

· 2 years experience in a R&D, NPD or Chef function within the Food Industry.

· Understand food ingredients and their applications and food process.

· Ideally some practical experience of working with recipe sheets, manufacturing specs, product specifications.

· Able to produce kitchen samples and evaluate critically.

· Good numeracy skills and good level of competency in Word, Excel.

· Full Driving Licence due to rural location & travel to manufacture site based near Wrexham.

Key attributes:

· Hard working skilled technologist with a passion for food.

· Capable of multi-tasking and effective project management, flexible and diligent.

· Good communication skills and team working ability.

· Attention to detail and able to work independently and pro-actively.