Development Technologist

Development Technologist
Location: Ashford, Kent 
Salary: £28,000 per year
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm (40 hrs/week)
Benefits: Company pension, Simply Health policy (after 6 months), free on-site parking, tea & coffee, 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Are you passionate about bringing innovative fruit juice products to life? A leading UK manufacturer of freshly-squeezed juices is looking for a Process & Development Technologist to join their team.

About the Role
As a Development Technologist, you will play a key role in turning ideas from the kitchen into commercially viable products. You’ll manage the entire product development process, from recipe creation and factory trials to launch, ensuring quality, compliance, and efficiency at every step.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine fruit juice products to meet customer briefs, cost targets, and technical requirements.

• Prepare samples for internal and customer review.

• Maintain NPD documentation, specifications, and ingredient compliance.

• Plan, run, and report on factory trials, resolving process issues to ensure quality and efficiency.

• Conduct shelf-life testing and post-trial analysis to support continuous improvement.

• Support product launches and monitor post-launch performance.

• Evaluate new ingredients, packaging, and sustainability opportunities.

• Maintain high standards of food safety, quality, and compliance.

• Act as a technical point of contact for internal teams and customers.

Who We’re Looking For

• Food science or related degree; open to graduates 

• NPD Experience