Job Description
Product Development & Technologist
Salary: £38,000 – £41,000 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: London, Poplar
Hours: Monday to Friday
Join a dynamic and mission-driven organisation dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting hunger. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Product Development & Technologist to play a key role in our innovative new production unit.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Development & Innovation
- Lead the development of new products based on surplus food supply, ensuring safety, quality, and creativity.
- React to daily changes in food availability by designing recipes and planning production runs.
- Continuously improve and expand the product range, incorporating innovative food processes such as dehydration, jarring, and freezing.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Develop and implement detailed HACCP plans and ensure compliance with all relevant food safety legislation.
- Ensure that all procedures and products meet required safety and quality standards.
- Lead internal and external audits, addressing any areas of improvement identified.
Team Leadership & Training
- Train and mentor team members to build skills and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Promote a safe and supportive working environment for employees and volunteers.
- Provide technical leadership to the team during production runs and ensure smooth operations.
Operational Support
- Work closely with the supply team to forecast incoming food supplies and plan production schedules.
- Collaborate with the operations team to ensure all resources are in place for production.
- Support the technical function by investigating new process technologies to improve operations.
About You:
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a food technologist or food safety role within a food production environment.
- Expertise in developing new products and managing food safety procedures.
- Knowledge and experience in creating and delivering HACCP plans.
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
- A collaborative team player with strong communication and leadership skills.
- Level 3 or higher Food Safety qualification.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience working in the charity or surplus food environment.
- Knowledge of innovative food processes like dehydration, pasteurisation, and packaging.
- Experience working with or managing volunteers.
- Passion for reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity.
What We Offer:
- A competitive salary of £38,000 – £41,000 per annum.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- The chance to work with an innovative, mission-driven organisation.
- An upbeat and collaborative working environment.
- The opportunity to make a real impact by reducing food waste and supporting communities in need.