Job Description
Primary Location :MITCHAM, United KingdomAt Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture.We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient.Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America.By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet .If you're ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us !Shape the Future of Food InnovationSolina is a leading international partner to the food industry, delivering innovative ingredient solutions and food concepts across multiple categories.At our Zafron Foods sauce manufacturing site, we specialise in creating exciting, trend-led sauce solutions for Foodservice and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) customers.We are now looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Development Technologist to join our growing Foodservice & QSR team at Zafron in Mitcham, Surrey.This is a hands-on development role offering exposure to customer projects, product innovation, factory trials, and commercial launches. It's an excellent opportunity for someone with FMCG or food manufacturing experience who is passionate about food, enjoys working cross-functionally, and wants to develop their career within a fast-paced and collaborative environment.The RoleAs a Development Technologist, you will support the successful development and delivery of new and existing products across our Foodservice & QSR portfolio.Working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and customers, you'll help bring concepts to life - from kitchen development through to production.You'll also play an important role in maintaining a professional, organised, and customer-ready development environment at the Zafron Foods site.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport New Product Development (NPD) projects from customer brief through to launchAssist with Existing Product Development (EPD) and product optimisation activitiesPrepare and deliver high-quality development samples for customers and internal stakeholdersSupport recipe scale-up and factory trial processesAssist with raw material testing, ingredient evaluations, and value engineering initiativesMaintain accurate recipe, specification, and development dataSupport customer visits, presentations, and first production runsAttend customer meetings alongside NPD Lead Managers where requiredParticipate in daily tasting panels and ingredient reviewsBuild strong working relationships across departments and functionsKeep up to date with market trends, new ingredients, packaging developments, and innovation opportunities through supplier engagement and industry workshopsWhat we're looking forYou'll thrive in this role if you are:Curious, creative, and solutions-focusedComfortable working independently in a fast-paced environmentCustomer-oriented with a commercial mindsetA strong team player who builds positive relationshipsPassionate about quality and continuous improvementSkills & experienceEssentialExperience within FMCG, food manufacturing, or food development, ideally within sauce manufacturing or related categoriesPassion for food innovation and product developmentStrong organisational skills and attention to detailExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectivelyProactive and self-motivated approachGood computer literacy and data management skillsDesirableExperience working within sauce manufacturing or businesses producing sauces, dressings, marinades, or similar liquid food productsCommercial kitchen or culinary experienceAdvanced Food Hygiene certificationFull UK driving licenceWhy Join Solina?Joining Solina means becoming part of an international business where food innovation and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. You'll work on exciting Foodservice & QSR projects alongside passionate food professionals, helping bring new ideas from concept to launch for major customers across the industry.We offer a supportive and fast-paced environment where your ideas, creativity, and development genuinely matter - with great opportunities to grow your career within a leading food groupTraining & DevelopmentWe believe in investing in our people and supporting long-term career development. From your first day, you'll receive structured onboarding and hands-on training across key systems, food safety standards, customer requirements, and technical processes.As part of a collaborative and experienced team, you'll also have ongoing opportunities to develop your technical expertise, broaden your industry knowledge, and continue growing your career within Solina.Apply NowIf you're passionate about food innovation and ready to develop your career within a dynamic and growing business, we'd love to hear from you.Join Solina and help shape the future of Foodservice & QSR innovation!We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment