Product development technologist

Valeo Snackfoods is the combination of Kettle Foods, Tangerine, Big Bear and It rsquo;s All Good and is one of the UK rsquo;s top 100 grocery brands. It is headquartered in Norwich and Pontefract and employs over 2,000 people. Over the past few years, we have strengthened our portfolio to include the Metcalfe rsquo;s popcorn brand and Yellow Chips in Emmeloord, Netherlands. The business in the UK and Europe generates revenues of over GBP280 million. Our brands include KETTLE reg; Chips, Metcalfe rsquo;s reg; popcorn, Foxes, Poppets, Barratt (Wham!, Fruit Salads, Black Jacks, Refreshers, Sherbet fountain, Dip Dab). To develop new and existing confectionery concepts and develop into a subject matter expert. Work in Collaboration with ndash; Brand Managers, International Business Managers, Snr Customer Development Manager, Regulatory Compliance, Process Development, Operations Technical (all sites), Procurement, Operational Planning Material Control (all sites), Operations Manufacturing Engineering (all sites), Packaging Development, Operations Finance (all sites), Engineering Capability Management and Sensory. Key Accountabilities * Develop new and existing confectionery concepts * Create and input recipes into the Hamilton Grant recipe system * Support and assist in the Confectionery Academy (CA) with product developments * Seek opportunities to develop as a confectionery subject matter expert and contribute to increasing technical understanding of the raw materials used in the business and their application in new products * Monitor and research the latest trends and innovations in products and raw materials * Concept test ingredient value optimisation opportunities * Engage with the sensory department to establish defined product attributes * Provide a product concept handover to the Process Development Team for factory scale up * Understand design of experiments approach to deliver projects quickly and efficiently (desired) Qualifications * Educated to degree level in a food science discipline with 2+ years, experience in confectionery * An understanding/ experience of NPD within food manufacturing * Full driving licence Personal Attributes * Curious mind set * Self-starter * Strong interpersonal skills * Calm and organised under pressure * Knowledge of and passion for food * Strong attention to detail * Numerate, commercially aware * Desire to learn and develop What we offer you in return * Salary: up to GBP38k (DOE) * 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays * Matched pension scheme * Death in service * Cycle to work scheme * Canteen * Free parking * Staff discount * And plenty more