Graduate Development Technologist

Alexander Steele Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an expanding food manufacturing business in the search for a Development Technologist.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the beginning of their food manufacturing career who is passionate about food, enjoys being hands-on in the kitchen and wants to develop within an innovative business that supplies exciting products to well-known foodservice and retail customers.

You'll become part of a supportive and experienced product development team where you'll be encouraged to learn, contribute ideas and gain exposure to every stage of the product development process.

The Role
This is a varied position where no two days are the same. Working alongside experienced NPD professionals, you'll help bring new products to life whilst supporting projects from initial concept through to commercial launch.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the development of new products and improvements to existing recipes.
• Prepare product samples and carry out practical kitchen work to support development projects.
• Support factory trials, product launches and first production runs.
• Research food trends, ingredients and emerging consumer preferences to inspire new concepts.
• Work closely with Technical, Operations, Procurement and Commercial teams to ensure projects remain on track.
• Participate in product benchmarking, taste panels and product evaluations.
• Help organise and maintain an efficient, professional development kitchen.
• Contribute to customer presentations and innovation sessions when required.

What We're Looking For

We're keen to speak with people who have a genuine passion for food and are looking to build a long-term career within food manufacturing.

Ideally you'll have:

• A Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts or related qualification (or equivalent industry experience).
• A genuine enthusiasm for cooking, ingredients and food innovation.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to manage several tasks within a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive approach and a willingness to learn from experienced colleagues.
• Previous food manufacturing, development kitchen or foodservice experience would be advantageous, although not essential.

Why Join This Business?

• Salary circa £30,000
• Join a friendly, collaborative and highly experienced Development team.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression within a growing international food manufacturer.
• Gain exposure to the full NPD lifecycle, from concept creation through to successful product launch.
• Work on innovative products supplied to leading foodservice and retail customers.
• A varied, hands-on role where you'll develop both your technical knowledge and practical product development skills.

If you're passionate about food and looking for the perfect opportunity to launch or develop your career within New Product Development, we'd love to hear from you.