R&D Technologist

Valeo Foods Group; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack manufacturer in Gateshead is seeking an R&D Technologist to support the development of innovative snack products. This role involves collaborating with multiple teams to ensure products meet safety and quality standards. Candidates should have a degree in food science and relevant experience in food manufacturing. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, including a pension scheme and staff discounts.

Benefits

Excellent Career Opportunities

Matched pension scheme up to 10%

Death in service

Cycle to work scheme

Retailer discount platform

Staff discount

Qualifications

• Experience in new product development/R&D environment is a plus.
• Full clean driving license is required.

Responsibilities

• Support product development in the Snacks R&D team.
• Collaborate with various teams to ensure product quality.
• Conduct shelf-life testing of new products.

Skills

Food manufacturing experience

Food process technologies

Brand interaction

Key IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Education

Degree in food science

Job description

Company Description

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

This role sits within the Snacks R&D team, reporting to an R&D Manager in the Innovation/Marketing team, and supports the development of new snack products. Based at the Gateshead site, the role requires travel to Norwich and other Valeo Foods sites to develop products across multiple snacking technologies. The R&D Technologist supports Valeo’s ACE Innovation process, fostering a strong innovation-led “foodie” culture, and is primarily responsible for early-stage product development from concept through to process handover for both branded and retailer own-label products. This ensures products meet quality, safety, legal, cost, and timeline requirements. The role involves close collaboration with Insights, Brands, Procurement, Technical, and Operations teams, as well as engagement with internal brand teams, retail customers, and suppliers through meetings and site visits.

What We Are Looking For

• Promote a “foodie” culture within R&D and the wider business.
• Record and manage all R&D sample requests and action them as needed.
• Prepare new product concept samples, including collecting product bases, flavouring in the R&D kitchen, and labelling/packing for delivery to customers or suppliers.
• Collect product bases from production lines and send bulk supplies to Gateshead site and seasoning suppliers.
• Prepare nutritional samples and coordinate testing with the technical team.
• Evaluate new seasonings using cup & flow tests; record and share results with suppliers and the process team.
• Support shelf-life testing of new products.
• Assist with organizing and setting up R&D or customer visits to showcase products.
• Collect raw materials, packaging, and finished products to maintain R&D inventories.
• Support factory trials, pre-production trials, and first production runs, assisting process and operations teams.
• Complete and record R&D documentation in line with development procedures, including process handover documents.
• Conduct store checks, purchase raw materials, and benchmark competitor products.
• Maintain NPD kitchen and storage areas to high hygiene standards and ensure efficiency.
• Perform any other duties to support R&D operations.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in food science base qualification desired.
• Experience in food manufacturing, ideally within new product development / R&D environment is desired.
• 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, PowerPoint.
• Full clean driving license.

Additional Information

Hours: 9am till 5pm

Salary: Up to £28,800 per annum

What We Offer You In Return

• Excellent Career Opportunities
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount
• And plenty more!