Overview
Senior Development Technologist in Foodservice & QSR - join Solina's UK R&D team, based primarily at the Zafron sauce manufacturing site in Mitcham, Surrey, with regular visits to Elland (Yorkshire). Hybrid role with on-site collaboration and the option to work from home. Solina designs customised savoury solutions for clients in the food industry, with sustainability at the heart of the business. The role involves leading development projects from concept to launch, mentoring a Development Technologist, and helping integrate the Zafron portfolio into the wider Solina UK business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of innovative food solutions aligned with customer and business needs.
- Manage New Product Development and Existing Product Development projects from brief through launch.
- Act as the key R&D contact on site.
- Manage project timelines to ensure delivery to agreed deadlines.
- Support the integration of recipes, systems, and product portfolios into the wider UK business.
- Line management and development support for a Development Technologist.
- Work closely with commercial, process, technical, and operational teams.
- Support customer meetings, factory trials, and first productions.
- Participate in taste panels and ingredient evaluations.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Stay informed on emerging food trends, ingredients, and packaging developments.
- Support product development and innovation within a fast-paced sauce manufacturing environment.
What We're Looking For / Requirements
- Essential: Previous food-related FMCG R&D experience within a manufacturing environment; strong project management and organisational skills; excellent communication and stakeholder management; computer literacy.
- Desirable: Experience within Foodservice or QSR; experience in sauce manufacturing or businesses producing sauces, dressings, marinades, or similar liquid products; commercial kitchen experience; previous people management or mentoring experience; full UK driving licence.
- Ability to thrive in a customer-focused, commercially driven environment; passion for food trends, innovation, and product development; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities; strong relationship-building across teams.
Benefits & Why Join Solina
- Collaborative, people-focused culture within an international, growing business.
- Hybrid working flexibility with opportunities for development and career progression.
- Opportunity to work with passionate food professionals across the UK and Europe.
Application Notes
Introductory message: If you're looking for a role that combines creativity, technical expertise, leadership, and customer collaboration, Solina invites you to apply. We are open to talents of all backgrounds; our recruitment process is based on competences and our DEI commitment. We welcome all candidates of all types.