Senior Food Technologist

You will be responsible for the development and delivery of 'best in class' food manufacturing technical expertise to support the Welsh Food Industry Sector and supply chain via Welsh Government (WG) funded projects and the UK Food industry and stakeholders via commercial/other ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre mechanisms. Additionally, you'll be responsible for the delivery of new product development and innovation support to the food manufacturing sector in Wales via Welsh Government funded projects and the UK Food Industry via the Food Industry Centre mechanisms.

The role provides the opportunity to transfer knowledge to our technical team, food manufacturers and stakeholders. This will be realised through mentorship and support of our highly motivated Food Industry Centre Technologists.

Key Responsibilities:

- Supervising and monitoring of the design, development and manufacture of new products, processes and systems for Micro, SMEs and large organisations, in line with current legislation and quality standards.

- Identifying key new product development shortfalls in industrial partners' operations through gap analyses and internal audits.

- Implementing a rigorous and robust project delivery mechanism (from project enquiry to project closure) for all New Product Development projects delivered by ZERO2FIVE under the guidance of the New Product Development Manager.

- Undertaking organoleptic evaluation, nutritional analysis, shelf-life determination and benchmarking of products in accordance with agreed protocols for partner companies and commercial clients.

- Undertaking and/or supporting project research as required to complete the project innovation.

- Supporting scoping of all funded and commercial projects in line with Cardiff Metropolitan University and ZERO2FIVE policies and procedures, liaising with the Research & Innovation department to achieve compliance for commercial projects.

- Taking ownership as a subject matter lead in specific areas to support the wider team.

- Providing knowledge transfer through the delivery of workshops.

- Networking with senior managers in an industrial setting to support the delivery of technical strategies and projects as required.

- Undertaking gap analyses (against a Technical Standard), at company premises, to identify technical needs and define action plans for implementation.

Person Specification:

- Degree in a relevant Science discipline (e.g. Food Science) or equivalent experience.

- Extensive experience of working within NPD, with knowledge of key trends in innovation in the food and drink manufacturing sector.

- Experience of working in at least 3 product categories in NPD or related areas.

- Relevant previous experience in the food manufacturing industry in the field of technical, process or quality systems and compliance management.

- Experience of managing technical/compliance areas of the food industry.

- Experience of managing part of, or the whole of, BRCGS/QMS compliant technical systems.

- Effective project management skills including time management, logistics, meeting management and presentation skills.

- Excellent interpersonal skills and a flexible approach to working, with the ability to confidently and independently engage with clients and stakeholders at all levels.

- Ability to lead and develop teams, assess both written work and team members' performance, giving positive feedback for improvement.

Benefits:

- Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday/concessionary days.

- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.

- Excellent family friendly policies.

- Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.

- Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.

- Free family access to independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.