Food Technician

Job Responsibilities:

As a food technologist, you’ll need to:

• modify existing products and processes and develop new ones
• check and improve safety and quality control procedures, from the raw material stage through to the finished product
• research current consumer markets and latest technologies to develop new product concepts
• select raw materials and other ingredients from suppliers
• audit suppliers or manage internal audits
• run trials of new products
• coordinate launches of new products
• deal with any customer complaint investigations or product issues
• compile, check and approve product specifications and labelling
• design the processes and machinery for making products with a consistent flavour, colour and texture in large quantities
• build relationships with suppliers

Qualifications:

You’ll benefit from having a food-related degree for entry into this area of work.

The following subjects in particular are relevant:

• food safety and quality management
• food science/technology/engineering
• fermentation of food products

Skills:

You’ll need to show:

• a genuine interest in science and how it is applied to food and cookery
• high standards of cleanliness and the ability to adhere to strict hygiene rules
• excellent attention to detail
• strong written and verbal communication skills
• people and team-working skills
• numeracy and problem-solving skills
• good organisational ability and time-management skills
• an awareness of the consumer market.

Work experience:

• Work experience in the food manufacturing industry is advantageous.
• Technical experience in retail or manufacturing is also valued.