Process Technologist

At Yeo Valley, we’ve been making delicious, organic dairy products for over 50 years. As a family-run business, we believe in doing things the right way – sustainably, ethically, and with people at the heart of what we do. 

Under the direction of the Senior Process Technologist, as the Process Technologist  you will support in the launching & evaluating of new & existing products in the following categories (yogurt, ice cream, desserts, savoury & fruit).

The role will support working closely with cross-functional teams to assist in improving and developing production processes & procedures, implement new product innovations and ensure quality standards are consistently met.  Main areas of focus are:

• Supporting NPD/EPD launches
• Assist in the improving of existing and developing new processes
• Support in the product & material reformulation

This role is critical in shaping the future of the Yeo Valley Product Portfolio.

Below are some of the key responsibilities for this role:

• Support in the sending of Nutritional, Shelf Life and Claims verification product and paperwork
• Co-ordinate and ensure trials are ready to run and all stakeholders have been notified
• Support in analysing current manufacturing processes to drive continuous improvements to the business
• Support & lead trials to validate process improvements and new product formulations
• Support the implementation of process changes by testing and refining processes, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and sustainability
• To assist the technical teams in maintaining the quality management systems and processes in line with legal, customer, company and other best practice requirements which create, maintain and improve the integrity and food safety and quality of all products manufactured
• Work closely with the Innovation, Production, Quality Assurance & Logistic teams to assist in the smooth implementation of new processes and products to deliver “right first time” approach
• To assist in the generation of the critical path and delivery of projects that meets the target launch date
• Prepare & maintain accurate documentation related to process development, product trials and testing
• Report findings, progress and trial results/ data or changes to the Senior Process Manager and other relevant stakeholders

Essential:

• Teamwork – Ability to work well with a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and influence within own area of expertise.
• Problem solving – Proactively escalate with a hands-on approach to trouble shooting.
• Communication - Good verbal & written communication skills with the ability to present ideas and data clearly to technical & non-technical stakeholders

• Food qualification or previous related food manufacturing experience in Process.

• Industry Knowledge - Working knowledge of relevant legislation criteria and food production industry standards/HACCP

• Detail-Oriented – Meticulous attention to detail in both product development and documentation
• Adaptability – Able to work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changing priorities & project timelines. Resilience and supporting others are key
• Analytical Thinker – strong, analytical skills, capable of interpreting data to guide decision-making processes
• Tenacious & “can do” attitude
• Self-driven with a growth mindset & can use initiative
• Desire and ability to influence & drive change
• Hands on & practical approach to working
• Good IT skills - Microsoft and database systems

We’re independent, British and proud to be making the highest quality yogurts, desserts and ice cream under the Yeo Valley brand and for many of the UK’s major retailers. Operating from four dairies and two logistics centres in Somerset and Devon, we employ over 1700 staff and produce more than 25% of the UK’s packaged yogurt.

We’re sure you don’t need convincing, but there’s a whole host of benefits that we offer including:

• competitive holiday allowance
• non-contributory pension scheme
• life cover
• healthcare cash back plan
• cycle to work scheme
• subsidised Yeo Valley products and services
• preferential rates with our partners
• annual bonus (as part of the Employee Benefit Trust, based on company performance for the year)
• learning and development opportunities; we’re committed to ensuring all of our employees have the chance to grow

Our closing dates are a guide for when the application window should close, although we may close the advert sooner if we can. So, we recommend you get your application in straight away – and don’t miss the opportunity to join us!

Unfortunately, we’re not able to provide employment sponsorship to candidates at this moment in time.

Please note that Yeo Valley do not accept speculative agency applications; we will only accept applications from preferred suppliers that have been submitted to us via our recruitment portal at the point of instruction.