At Valeo Foods UK, we're the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.
But that's not all – our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it's the Wild West flavours of New World Foods, the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.
Job Description
We are looking for a R&D Technologist to join our team at Valeo Foods UK. Reporting into one of our R&D Managers as part of the Innovation / Marketing team and is required to support in the development of new snacks products.
We are looking for this role to be sat at our Snacks sites at Gateshead with the opportunity to visit our UK sites to develop products across our range of snacking technologies.
* Promote a foodie culture with the NPD team & wider business.
* Receipting and recording of all R&D sample requests onto R&D data base. Support in actioning all sample requests.
* Prepare new product concept samples, collecting product bases from the factory, flavouring up product bases in the R&D kitchen.
* Labelling & packing up customer and supplier samples, making up parcels arranging delivery of required samples.
* Collecting product bases from the production lines to send to Store for R&D samples and sending bulk supplies to the Gateshead site and seasoning suppliers.
* Preparation of nutritional samples & arranging testing with our process / technical team.
* Evaluating new seasonings – using the cup & flow test method. Recording & sharing results liaising with flavours seasoning suppliers and process team.
* Collect raw materials, packaging & finished product from our factories and warehouses, ensuing a continued supply of inventories.
* Attending and supporting with pre-production trials and first productions, supporting process & operations teams
* Support in completing and recording of R&D documents to comply with our Development procedure.
* Store checks for the research purposes, purchase of raw materials and finished product benchmark / competitor samples.
* Maintain upkeep and housekeeping of NPD kitchen & storage areas, clean as you go high hygiene standards to ensure maximise efficiency of R&D team.
Qualifications
* Have a passion for food and anything food related.
* Good communication skills, including written, verbal and presentation skills.
* Good team player and adaptability to operate at all levels of the organisation.
* Positive, willing attitude with a desire to learn and develop with a “Personal Best” mindset.
* Strong attention to detail is key.
* Flexible, forward thinking & organised.
* Numerate & commercially aware.
* Ability to create, embrace change and to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
* Degree (or equivalent) in food science base qualification desired.
* Experience in food manufacturing, ideally within new product development / R&D environment.
* Experience in food process technologies and their application is desired.
* Brand and retailer own brand experience is desired.
* Experience in interacting successfully across all levels of business.
* Experience of key IT including, Excel, word, Power point.
* Full clean driving license.
Additional Information
What we offer you in return
* Excellent Career Opportunities
* Matched pension scheme
* Death in service
* Cycle to work scheme
* Retailer discount platform
* Staff discount
* And plenty more
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