R&D Specialist

Salary: Up to £45,000 depending on experience + bonus + benefits

This is a full-time permanent opportunity, but we are always open to discussing individuals' flexible working needs, so please speak to us during the recruitment process to understand what this could look like for you.

Position Summary

NPTC Confectionery (York) is the leading centre for confectionery research & development and works closely with Nestlé world-wide. Our objective is to provide ideas, technical innovation, and scientific support including product, process, technology, and packaging development necessary for the future growth and profitability of the confectionery business.

A day in the life of a R&D Specialist…

We currently have an excellent opportunity for a R&D Specialist specialized in Flavours to join the Food Chemistry team here in York. It’s a role requiring you to apply your scientific expertise to help develop confectionery products that consumers will love.

You will drive the collection, interpretation, and application of scientific findings into the development of new product concepts and solving existing business issues. You will also be required to contribute to setting up and implementing the future scientific strategy in this field. This will require working both with business partners and with scientific experts in the flavour world (within Nestlé and in academia).

Key Responsibilities

• Act as flavour expert for the company, bringing innovation into the business by leveraging internal networks and external partners such as academic institutions and suppliers.
• Build and document knowledge and share about the latest methods, trends, and developments in the area of flavour.
• Propose, plan, and deliver technical and scientific support in projects.
• Provide accurate and on-time support to operation with effective (quality, cost, and on-time) and sustainable solutions.

What will make you successful?

You’ll have the following skills and experience:

• You will possess a Higher University degree (PhD or equivalent) in the field of Flavour Chemistry, Food Science, Food Chemistry or similar.
• You have previously worked in an R&D environment in the food industry or in a flavour house. Confectionery experience is a bonus.
• Be able to communicate complex scientific results/research areas in an easily understood way that instils credibility across the business.
• Have experience interacting with product development groups, being able to translate science into working prototypes.
• Work with team members both internally and externally in a proactive, cooperative manner.
• Have the willingness to transfer knowledge and be able to coach & mentor junior colleagues, placement and PhD students.
• Excellent networking skills and proactivity.

What you need to know

What can we offer in return? Great benefits you’d expect from a business the size of Nestlé – in the shape of a competitive salary and benefits package, bonus scheme, flexible working scheme, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays plus flex leave, pension scheme and a real focus on personal development and growth.

The closing date for this role is Monday 13/01/2025.

We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job advertisements early in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please don’t delay in submitting your application.

At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect. When we embrace diversity and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our business. People of all gender identities, ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT+ community are strongly encouraged to apply. If there is anything we can do to accommodate you to participate fully in the application process, please let us know.

We are committed to equal opportunity for all and we may collect relevant data for monitoring purposes during our candidate registration process. Be yourself, everyone else is taken!