Food Development Technician

Have you always had a passion for food and wanted to work in an innovating environment with a head full of new ideas? We're looking for someone who doesn't just come here to get the job done, but who has a real passion for our brand and a desire to not only do the best job but to strive for even better to create new and exciting breakfasts!
Weetabix is renowned for its commitment to providing better breakfasts and helping people live healthier lives. They are the home to popular breakfast favourites such as Weetabix, Alpen, and Weetabix On the Go Drinks. With our world-class innovation and extensive product range, Weetabix has established itself as a market leader. As part of the Weetabix family, you will have the opportunity to contribute to this success and make a difference in people's lives. We never sit back at Weetabix and are always looking to innovate our cereal and breakfast products. Being the best takes committed and passionate people who share in our goals and vision to be the best cereal brand there is!
A little bit about why we are the Nations favourite cereal brand!
Check out our sustainability credentials. Did you know all of our wheat is sourced within 50 miles of our factories and 100% of our electricity is generated by renewable energy and not to blow our own trumpet (but why not?!), but we expect to provide 3 million meals each year to Fareshare & Magic Breakfast which we are all really proud of.
Our recipe
So we have a rare and exciting opportunity for a Food Development Technician to join our New Product Development team, working in our Food Tech labs and across the business supporting Innovation, Value Engineering, Quality & Nutritional Improvement and Technology projects in the NPD Team across the Weetabix Food Company product portfolio. You will lead aspects of new product development and play a key role in product innovation!
This role is varied; one day you might be preparing samples in the development lab, the next you may be setting up the pilot plant equipment for product trials. You will be involved in everything from taking, observing, and measuring samples, leading shifts for product launches, identifying and resolving risks and issues from trials, to quality and sensory testing.
Main accountabilities and responsibilities:
Assisting NPD projects by:
Preparing samples in the Development Lab and Pilot Plant using the full range of equipment Taking samples and making measurements or observations during Lab, Pilot Plant & Factory trials, and Product Launches. Routine quality and sensory testing of samples from trials and factory launches. Set up standard Pilot Plant equipment for upcoming trials. Prepares written and verbal reports for the trial leader or Line Manager as required. Plan, supervise, analyse, and report Development Lab and Pilot Plant trials. Technical support for factory trials. Act as trial leader on technically less complex factory trials. Lead shifts for some product launches. Identify and solve technical risks and issues from trials, using technical knowledge and experience of WFC products and processes. Trainer on Pilot Plant and Development Lab equipment, methods and SOPs. Helping to maintain housekeeping and hygiene standards in the Lab and Pilot Plant to ensure food safety and quality standards are achieved. Contribute to a safe working environment by ensuring all Methods, SOPs and standard Ways of Working are followed. Health & Safety Responsibilities:
Follow Company and Departmental safety procedures as trained or instructed and to ensure you do not put yourself or anyone else at risk of harm or illness because of your actions. Must report any unsafe practice, accident, near-miss or potential hazard promptly to your Line or Department Manager so the appropriate action can be taken. The tools for the job
This role has so much scope, far too much to list here, but you'll naturally be ambitious, want to learn, thrive on being challenged, and want to make 'The Difference'. Problem solving and being a great communicator are key tools for this role; as well as drive, energy and motivation in endless amounts!
We do have some extra requirements, you will need to be an IT competent Microsoft office user; Excel for spreadsheets and reports, and Powerpoint for presentations. In addition, if you have worked in a similar environment with Food Safety qualifications and have an understanding of Food Safety that's great, but it's not a prerequisite for applying.
Inclusion without exception
Our differences 'Make the Difference' and have a 'Brilliant People' culture where we believe that our people can do their best work when they can bring their best selves to work every day.
We value diversity, as it sparks creativity, innovation, and ultimately better business performance.
We recruit and develop people who are best suited to the requirements of the role on offer and our talent and succession programmes are grounded in ensuring that 'Talent Matters' and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and are supported to fulfil their unique potential.
By joining our team, you will be part of helping ensure we continue our 'Inclusion without Exception' journey and help 'Make the Difference'.
We offer an inspiring package of employee benefits - to show just how much we value you.
The opportunities for personal development and progression are only limited by what you want to do. You will be working for a company that provides the kind of stimulating learning environment that generates innovation and professional development.
When in the office, you'll find as much Weetabix, Alpen, Weetos and Ready brek as you could possibly eat! There's also a comprehensive flexible benefits package including all the good stuff you'd expect, pension, bonus, life assurance etc.
We are always looking to enhance our current teams with diverse skills, experience and backgrounds; so if your skills and experience look a little different and you believe you can add value to the role and/or Weetabix, then we would love you to drop us your CV or apply! No candidate will ever meet 100% of the desired qualifications, skills and/ or experience, but we are ambitious to attract the right talent for how we want our business to grow.
You might not be right for the role, yet but we are always looking for talented people!
Have we grabbed your attention? Come on, take a bite, we're waiting to hear from you!