R&D Technologist

R&D (Research and Development) Technician

Gateshead (with occasional travel and overnight stay in Norwich)

Working Monday to Friday 9-5

Salary between 25000 and 28000 Depending on skills and experience

Valeo Foods at Team Valley Gateshead are seeking an enthusiastic R&D Technician to join our Innovation and Marketing team. 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.

Our R&D Technician will have:

• 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 25000 and 28000 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

No

Full-time

• Laboratory Experience
• Vendor Management
• Design Controls
• C/C++
• FDA Regulations
• Intellectual Property Law
• ISO 13485
• Research Experience
• Solid Works
• Research & Development
• Internet Of Things
• Product Development

years

1