Senior Innovation Technologist

So, what will I be doing?

At Yeo Valley, we're more than just an organic dairy company – we're a community rooted in the land, committed to sustainability, and passionate about producing quality food that nurtures people and planet.

As a co-owned business, we invest in our people, encourage growth, and believe in doing things properly.

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Innovation Technologist to join our growing Central Development Team.

Under the direction of the Innovation Manager, as a Senior Innovation Technologist you will support in the launching & evaluating of new & existing products in our Own Label Dairy categories.

The role will work closely with cross-functional teams to assist in the delivery of cutting-edge, high-quality product concepts.

• Supporting the Innovation Manager in concept creation
• Improving raw material and packaging knowledge
• Product formulation knowledge across multiple categories

This role is critical in shaping the future of the Yeo Valley Product Portfolio.

• To assist in the delivery of development projects from Gate 0
  - Gate 2
• Assist in the co-ordination, production and delivery of kitchen samples
• Liaising with existing suppliers for new ingredients within a set list of parameters
• Demonstrate scientific understanding of the recipe formulation and the roles of the ingredients and impact of the process
• Collaborate with Process Development teams to identify opportunities for process improvements and EPD modifications.

• Support with customer engagement and supporting customer presentations
• Support in the arranging of customer lunches and displays

• Conduct market reviews & product benchmarking to analyse competitor products to help identify new trends, opportunities and insights

• Work with the stakeholders to ensure buy-in of new concept ideas and products to deliver "First to Market" innovation ideas

• To assist in the generation of the critical path and delivery of projects that meets the target launch date
• Prepare & maintain accurate documentation related to innovation development

• Transfer kitchen approved recipes into a customer pack and liaise with process teams on new concepts to ensure effectiveness and consistency in the transfer from concept to scale-up

This is a full time role, working 40 hours per week (Monday – Friday). The role is based at our Newton Abbot site in Devon, and will require travel between our sites to liaise with other departments, sites, suppliers and customers.

• Project Management-Experience in managing multiple product development projects simultaneously, with a focus on meeting deadlines
• Teamwork –Ability to work well with a collaborative, cross-functional team environment
• Problem solving –Proactive and strong hands-on approach to trouble shooting
• Communication -Good verbal & written communication skills with the ability to present ideas and data clearly to technical & non-technical stakeholders
• Drivers License is essential due to multi-site locations

• Food qualification or previous related food manufacturing experience in Innovation
• Minimum 2 years of post-graduate experience in a food process NPD role

• Industry Knowledge-Working knowledge of relevant legislation criteria and food production industry standards/HACC

• Detail-Oriented – Attention to detail in both product development and documentation
• Adaptability –Able to work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changing priorities & project timelines. Resilience and supporting others are key
• Tenacious &…