Are you driven by the opportunity to shape the future of food safety, quality, and technical excellence?

This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in identifying and delivering cutting-edge innovation within a dynamic and fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

The Role

As a Technical Innovation Specialist, you will sit at the intersection of science, technology, and operations, exploring emerging trends, trialling new solutions, and translating innovation into practical, scalable improvements across manufacturing sites.

This role offers real influence, working cross-functionally and externally with industry partners to embed forward-thinking technical solutions that enhance compliance, efficiency, and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Horizon scan emerging technologies and innovations aligned to future food safety and technical strategies

• Research, assess and validate new processes, equipment and digital solutions for operational feasibility

• Design and lead site-based trials, ensuring robust data capture, clear outcomes, and effective risk management

• Collaborate with Technical, Operations, Engineering, and NPD teams to implement innovation into live environments

• Build and maintain partnerships with universities, suppliers, and industry bodies to access new research and insights

• Develop evidence-based recommendations to support investment decisions and continuous improvement initiatives

• Produce clear documentation, training materials, and knowledge-sharing frameworks to support rollout

• Identify opportunities to automate, digitalise, and strengthen hygiene and food safety controls

• Ensure all innovation aligns with regulatory, retailer, and legislative standards

• Provide regular updates on innovation pipelines, trial progress, and implementation outcomes

Skills & Experience Requirements

• Proven experience within a technical, food safety, quality, or hygiene role in food manufacturing

• Strong understanding of food safety science, hygiene systems, and risk control frameworks

• Naturally curious with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement

• Skilled in data analysis, trial design, and evaluation of technical solutions

• Able to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, actionable business insights

• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder engagement skills

• Comfortable working across multiple sites and leading hands-on trials

Desirable Experinece

• Exposure to automation, digitalisation, or advanced manufacturing technologies

• Experience collaborating with academic or research institutions

• Project management or continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)

• Degree-qualified in Food Science, Engineering, Microbiology, or a related discipline

This is an excellent opportunity for a forward-thinking technical professional looking to make a tangible impact in a progressive and innovation-led environment.

Please get in touch for more information on this exciting opportunity or apply with your CV todaty.