R&D Technologist Foods

An excellent opportunity has arisen to join a world leading global organisation, our global FMCG client, the powerhouse behind brands such as PG Tips, Lipton and Ben & Jerrys have an opening for a Beverage Research & Development Technologist based at Colworth Science Park in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire (MK44 1LQ), just 40 minutes' drive from Milton Keynes. This is a full time, temporary role for 6 months, Monday to Friday, paying £25,900 per annum, pro rata.

The job holder will be joining a small R&D team delivering multiple global and regional projects, with a key role in supporting the design, development and implementation of new beverage products and the global roll-out of these products.

Purpose/Responsibilities

Support the delivery of the R&D innovation programme with particular focus on product development.

• Day to day activities will include generating product prototypes, shelf life testing, running tasting panels, ensuring team alignment/sign-off of new recipes and attending factory trials.
• Maintenance of internal databases of product/pack information network and product specifications, so that the information can be used by the job holder and the wider team to support decision making.
• Develop and maintain good network of contacts. Main key contacts will be both internal Unilever e.g. Marketing/Sourcing units/GDC/RDC beverages but also suppliers e.g. flavour houses.
• Ensure all product development activities are carried out accurately, timely and safely with full traceability of ingredients and recipes.
• Interpretation and reporting on all tasting and product assessment sessions.
• Support on factory trials.
• Maintenance of product store and managing samples (to be received / sent to different regions).
• Support project management activities.

Experience:

• Ideally educated to degree level in a food science or closely related scientific subject however will consider significant industry experience or closely related area
• Candidates who hold an MSc in food science, or closely related subject will also be considered.
• Strong IT skills
• Good independent decision making will be an important requirement for this role.
• Experience in a tea related area would be desirable