18 Food Scientists jobs in the United Kingdom

Company Profile:   

A UK flexible packaging manufacturer who supplies packaging for household names, including products for all the main supermarket chains. They are now looking to recruit a Head of food Science and Technical

Title: Head of food Science and Technical

Salary: TBC

Purpose of job:

To provide site based technical leadership across the technical department and Food science laboratory.

This role will report directly to the Technical Director to lend support and ensure development of added value products via technical application and/or food science technology. This role will ensure that both departments under their leadership are aligned with the company strategy, lending technical support to site / other departments with a focus on continuous improvement, product development & enhancement, leading to increased productivity, sales growth, cost down initiatives and product development.

Key Accountabilities:

This role requires a strategic and hands-on approach which is vital to growth and improved profitability within the organization.

Direct Responsibility for the management, personal development, and leadership of the sites

Technical and food science departments.

Develop strong effective working relationships within the management team to ensure business/site objectives are being met by your departments.

Further develop existing team members to become a highly performing, multi-skilled team who can proactively support the company to achieve their objectives and meet our Horizon 2025 targets.

Work directly with the Technical Director to ensure all projects, actions, and tasks, including testing and developments trials, are progressing efficiently through the company.

Ensure all TRD/TRL trials are supported Technically, with reports produced to capture results/actions.

Become the first escalation point there for any site based technical queries or actions.

Ensure that all products bought, manufactured, and sold within the company are compliant with current EU and UK Food Contact & Food Safety legislation.

Conduct regular meetings with the team to ensure they are working against the latest compliance guidance.

Each year helps to build a RDEC TAX claim against any trials and developments across your departments.

Work closely with northwest Technical Manager to ensure both sites are aligned technically on both film development and site capabilities.

Interact with” external” technical team to monitor, support and drive all their projects and trials through the company, to minimize delays.

Monitor and ensure all monthly site-based reporting is submitted on time and in full.

Attend / support required meetings. Technical, Sales, Monthly Management meetings and Steer Co.

Proactively drive projects and trials through your team to ensure they receive the necessary focus, ensuring they achieve the results against set timelines.

Provide Technical support and leadership across other site-based departments when required, such as Procurement, Operations, QA, etc.

Produce a Monthly report for the technical director (based on Team reports into you) to update activity and progression within your team, this report will also be used to update site.

Ensure your teams project trackers, EQMS and monthly updates are kept up to date and capture all relevant information and data.

Support site with the creation of “right first time” packaging solutions to meet our customer / site requirements.

Drive a culture of safety and compliance across both Departments.

Interact with Field Tech services in regard to offering customer trial support or complaint investigation.

Assist QA with Technical based issues or customer complaints.

Conduct customer visits if requested to lend technical support.

Perform other duties not written above as prescribed by the Technical Director

Skills & Competences:

Must have 5 Years + of experience of managing a team or department of people.

Have excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Must have experience of Project management and development process.

Ideally a degree qualified in either management, Chemistry or a Science based discipline.

Able to create management reports and presentations that will update, track and inform.

Must be Computer literate and familiar with all major software programs.

Have a car license as some travelling across the company or customer sites may be required.

Experience gained within Packaging, Print and Conversion would be advantageous.

Personal attributes:

Self-motivated, high energy and have an air of Gravitas.

Be Flexible and adaptable and able to work in a fast-moving dynamic environment.

Have excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.

Ability to prioritise and manage timelines.

Ability to communicate across all different levels of people.

Able to work independently or as part of a wider team

Experience And Additional Requirements:

In addition, you should be able to demonstrate the following behaviours and skills: -

Customer-centric, easy to work with and flexible

Sharing information with all relevant parties (internal & external) to improve ways of working to deliver customer satisfaction.

Demonstrates a collective use of all communications tools/business systems to ensure that the tools in place are being utilised to benefit the business/customer.

Understands the market they trade in and the arena in which they compete to ensure that they retain a USP.

Takes an objective view on internal/external situations and looks for ways to improve the service.

Intensity & Speed

Commercially aware of how the role influences the commercial performance of the business.

Organises workload to ensure that they operate in the most efficient way.

Ability to meet deadlines under pressure whilst ensuring that they strive for efficiency.

Ability to follow systems and processes to deliver an efficient end result.

Proactively looks for better ways of doing things.

Empowerment & Accountability

Willingness to adapt to business requirements and takes the time to understand business change.

Expresses spoken and written ideas effectively in individual and group situations.

Proactive approach and not afraid to make decisions.

Ability to focus on and achieve personal and team objectives.

Contributes to the overall purpose of the team and take the times to understand the objectives

Demonstrate a good understanding of business purpose and direction.

Contributes ideas to develop and enhance the offer.

Not afraid to share knowledge to improve ways of working for all.

Relishes the challenge of change and encourages others to do the same and explains the benefits of change convincingly to their team, identifies any barriers to change and how to overcome them.

Demonstrates commitment and a passion to succeed

Passionate and enthusiastic commitment to shared goals and objectives.

Dedication and determination to the success of the team, business, and client

Commitment to training and development and making the team the team the best they can be.

Demonstrates has listened through their actions which are visible and understood by others.

Integrity & fairness always

Trust, appreciation, and respect of, and for, team members

Also ensuring and promoting equality and fairness, following the company policies regarding Dignity at Work.

Supporting an open and honest environment for discussion and feedback

Understands your and other role(s) within the team and company.

Contributes positively to team identity.

Builds and maintains team spirit and morale to ensure effective working relationships.

Encourages the mantra and treats people as they would want to be treated.

Safe Environment for everyone

Supports a safe working environment.

Encourages a greater awareness of safety by ensuring team are trained on safety.

Actively encourages team members to engage with other departments to assess safety through risk assessment and Area Safety Inspections

Balances the workload to ensure that specific areas of workload are addressed.

Additional benefits:

Pension: 6% EE, 3% ER

Annual Leave: 25 days, plus bank holidays (increasing by 1 day each January to a maximum of 28 days plus bank holidays)

Medicash scheme –our employees are covered for contributions towards, dental treatment, both accidental and routine, specialist diagnostic tests and scans, and even complimentary therapies. For a small monthly fee, you can also add your partner and children to the scheme.

Salary sacrifice Pension – Access to Salary sacrifice pension scheme or as above. Members of the pension scheme are also provided with the details of an independent financial advisor upon commencement of their employment should they wish to contact them at any time, in addition the independent financial advisors come to the site a few times a year to provide face to face advice for individuals.

Company sick pay scheme – Dependent on successful probation

Enhanced Maternity / Paternity pay – dependent on length of service

EAP Scheme – 24 / 7 counselling and advice on issues such as Financial, relationship issues, health issues etc.

Benefits Hub – employees have exclusive access to Benefit Hub’s discount marketplace which includes discount codes, cashback, money off and more.

Free parking onsite

Food Scientist (R&D)

East London | £39,000–£5,000 + performance incentives | Full-time, on-site

About the Role

You’ll be at the forefront of creating sustainable confectionary alternatives, helping to turn innovative concepts into scalable, high-quality products. From running sensory panels and analysing testing data to maintaining hygiene standards and working closely with other teams, this role offers variety, impact, and the chance to help shape a more ethical food system.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing and prototyping new products, with attention to flavour, texture, and shelf life
• Designing and running sensory evaluations—including panel recruitment, training, and data interpretation
• Collaborating with Operations to support scale-up and process improvements
• Working with Sales to support customer-specific applications and product customisation
• Leading food safety and hygiene practices, including HACCP compliance
• Maintaining clear, accurate documentation of formulations, batches, and test results

What We’re Looking For

• BSc and MSc in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or a related field
• 3+ years’ experience in product development—ideally in chocolate, confectionery, or plant-based categories
• Solid understanding of ingredient functionality, sensory science, and flavour chemistry
• Experience applying statistical or data science methods to product or sensory testing
• HACCP Level 3 (or higher), with practical experience implementing food safety systems
• A collaborative mindset and a hands-on approach to experimentation and problem-solving

Not sure you tick every box? If you bring relevant skills and enthusiasm, we’d still love to hear from you.

Salary, Benefits & Perks

• £39,000–£45,00 per year, depending on experience
• Performance-based incentives
• Health benefits including private medical cover and gym membership
• Professional development support and growth opportunities
• A welcoming, inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives
• Office perks including great snacks and barista-level coffee
• Central East London location with excellent transport links

Apply Now

If you’re excited to contribute to a more sustainable and innovative food future, this could be your next step. Apply today and bring your scientific expertise to a purpose-driven team.

Food Scientist (R&D)

East London | £39,000–£5,000 + performance incentives | Full-time, on-site

About the Role

You’ll be at the forefront of creating sustainable confectionary alternatives, helping to turn innovative concepts into scalable, high-quality products. From running sensory panels and analysing testing data to maintaining hygiene standards and working closely with other teams, this role offers variety, impact, and the chance to help shape a more ethical food system.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing and prototyping new products, with attention to flavour, texture, and shelf life
• Designing and running sensory evaluations—including panel recruitment, training, and data interpretation
• Collaborating with Operations to support scale-up and process improvements
• Working with Sales to support customer-specific applications and product customisation
• Leading food safety and hygiene practices, including HACCP compliance
• Maintaining clear, accurate documentation of formulations, batches, and test results

What We’re Looking For

• BSc and MSc in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or a related field
• 3+ years’ experience in product development—ideally in chocolate, confectionery, or plant-based categories
• Solid understanding of ingredient functionality, sensory science, and flavour chemistry
• Experience applying statistical or data science methods to product or sensory testing
• HACCP Level 3 (or higher), with practical experience implementing food safety systems
• A collaborative mindset and a hands-on approach to experimentation and problem-solving

Not sure you tick every box? If you bring relevant skills and enthusiasm, we’d still love to hear from you.

Salary, Benefits & Perks

• £39,000–£45,00 per year, depending on experience
• Performance-based incentives
• Health benefits including private medical cover and gym membership
• Professional development support and growth opportunities
• A welcoming, inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives
• Office perks including great snacks and barista-level coffee
• Central East London location with excellent transport links

Apply Now

If you’re excited to contribute to a more sustainable and innovative food future, this could be your next step. Apply today and bring your scientific expertise to a purpose-driven team.

Campden BRI is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Scientist to join our Food & Drink Science team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys applying scientific expertise to real-world challenges in food manufacturing, working directly with clients, and delivering practical, impactful solutions.

Why Join Campden BRI?

Campden BRI is a leading provider of technical services to the food and drink industry. You’ll be part of a collaborative team working on diverse projects that make a tangible impact. The role offers opportunities for travel, professional development, and direct engagement with some of the most respected names in the sector.

This role is based in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire and will be site based with occasional working from home.

If you’re passionate about food science and ready to take on a role that blends technical expertise with industry impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us deliver smarter, better food solutions.

Position

• Lead and manage technical projects for food and drink manufacturers
• Provide expert advice and consultancy to clients across industry, government, and academia
• Apply a range of analytical techniques to assess product quality, texture, structure, and performance
• Produce clear, concise reports and present findings to clients and stakeholders
• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to service development
• Deliver training sessions and support internal teams with technical expertise

Requirements

• A degree in food science/ technology or similar.
• A PhD in food science/chemical engineering/similar with a focus on development of analytical methods, experimental design, execution, statistical analysis, scientific writing, project management, and presenting at conferences.
• Knowledge of food science and technology and analysis of physical properties such as rheology, texture, structure, and thermal properties is essential
• Knowledge of and experience with functionality of emulsifiers, proteins, starches, and hydrocolloids etc.
• Experience in using instrumental techniques to investigate raw materials or product properties.
• Experience in data analysis from the above and familiarity with statistical analysis techniques required.
• Project management skills.

Benefits

• Reward platform with employee discounts and rewards
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
• Buy and sell holiday scheme
• A generous work save pension scheme, with employee contributions matched by the company up to 10%
• Culture focused on work/life balance
• Subsidised onsite restaurant
• Working Monday-Thursday 8.45am-5.15pm and Fridays 8.45am-4.30pm

Opportunity for UK and International travel, due to this you will need to have a full driving license and your own transport to reach our site.

Click 'apply now' or send your CV to

• Lead the development of innovative new food products, from concept to commercialization, within defined project timelines and budgets.
• Formulate and optimize product recipes and processes, ensuring taste, texture, nutritional profile, and shelf-life targets are met.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and interpret consumer feedback to refine product attributes.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs.
• Design and execute benchtop experiments, pilot plant trials, and support production scale-up activities.
• Stay abreast of emerging food trends, ingredient technologies, and competitor activities.
• Troubleshoot product development challenges and identify effective solutions.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including product specifications, process descriptions, and research reports.
• Mentor junior food scientists and contribute to the knowledge base of the R&D department.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety standards and regulatory requirements.

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in food product development, preferably within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new food products into the market.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing techniques.
• Experience with sensory science and statistical analysis (DOE).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., FMEA, LIMS) is a plus.