Research And Development Technician

Alexander Steele has partnered with a leading food manufacturer in Cumbria to offer an exciting opportunity for an R&D Technician to join their Research and Development team.

Salary: Up to £38,000 per annum

Purpose of Role:

The purpose of this role is to develop new products and reformulate existing ones, while considering the efficacy, stability, cost, and manufacturing requirements of such developments. You will work closely with senior management and the R&D team to proactively identify development opportunities. Collaboration with different teams within the company, including quality and production, as well as with potential co-packers, will be key to successfully delivering projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and revise product formulations for a range of products manufactured at the company or under contract, considering parameters like cost, ease of production, raw material constraints, and required process modifications.
• Ensure that new product developments are manufacturable using existing processes and plant. If necessary, identify suitable new processes and develop these alongside the new products.
• Organise product manufacturing and process modifications testing through pilot or factory-scale trials, and attend these trials as required. Coordinate with Quality Assurance for analyses and stability trials.
• Develop and adapt recipes and processes for commissioning new plant or equipment. Assist with the installation of associated peripheral systems and prepare procedural changes as needed.
• Prepare pack copy and product specifications for new products.
• Transfer approved recipes from pilot/trial scale to production scale, issuing and controlling all relevant documentation.
• Evaluate competitors’ products and stay informed on industry trends.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Strong scientific knowledge with the ability to learn quickly.
• Genuine interest in product development.
• Strong computer and numeracy skills.
• A logical approach to problem-solving.
• BSc or higher in a science-based subject.
• At least 2 years of experience in the consumer goods or manufacturing industry is preferred.
• Knowledge of dairy or food processing is a plus.
• Experience with recipe development software such as Bestmix would be an advantage.

Attributes:

• Excellent communication skills, able to engage at senior levels both internally and externally.
• Capable of working collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Comfortable with data analysis and scientifically literate.

If you are looking to join a dynamic team and help drive innovation in the food manufacturing industry, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to be part of this exciting opportunity with a leading manufacturer in Cumbria!