R&D Technician

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.

R&D Technician (Gateshead, with occasional travel and overnight stay in Norwich) – Working Monday to Friday 9-5 – Salary between £25,000 and £28,000 depending on skills and experience. This role is central to supporting the development of new snack products across our branded and retailer own‑brand ranges. You will be involved from concept stage through to process handover, ensuring products meet quality, safety, legal, and cost standards while being delivered on time.

The position is primarily based at our Gateshead snack site, with occasional travel and overnight stays required at our Norwich snack sites.

• Support the R&D team in developing new products and changes to existing products.
• Collaborate with Insights, Brands, Procurement, Technical, and Operations teams to ensure innovation aligns with consumer and customer insight.
• Engage with internal brand teams, retailer customers, and suppliers through meetings and site visits.
• Promote a foodie culture within the NPD team and wider business.
• Manage R&D sample requests: receipting, recording, preparing, labelling, packing, and arranging deliveries.
• Prepare product concept samples in the R&D kitchen, including flavouring and seasoning trials.
• Collect product bases from production lines and coordinate bulk supplies with seasoning suppliers.
• Prepare nutritional samples and arrange testing with technical teams.
• Evaluate new seasonings using cup & flow test methods, recording and sharing results.
• Collect raw materials, packaging, and finished products from factories and warehouses to maintain inventory supply.
• Attend and support pre‑production trials and first productions alongside process and operations teams.
• Complete and record R&D documentation in line with development procedures.
• Conduct store checks, purchase competitor samples, and benchmark products.
• Maintain high hygiene standards in the NPD kitchen and storage areas.

• Experience in food manufacturing, ideally within new product development or R&D environment (desired but not essential).
• Familiarity with food process technologies and their application (desired but not essential).
• Strong communication skills — written, verbal, and presentation.
• Ability to interact successfully across all levels of the business.
• Proficiency in key IT applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Full, clean driving licence.
• Passion for food and a genuine interest in food‑related innovation.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organisational skills.
• Flexible, forward‑thinking, and able to adapt in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Positive, willing attitude with a desire to learn and develop, demonstrating a “Personal Best” mindset.
• Good team player with adaptability to operate at all levels of the organisation.
• Numerate and commercially aware.
• Ability to embrace change and contribute to continuous improvement.

• Salary between £25,000 and £28,000 depending on skills and experience
• Working Monday to Friday 9-5
• Excellent Career Opportunities
• Matched pension scheme
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount
• And plenty more

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