Development Technologist

Development Technologist Shape the Future of Food Innovation Solina is a leading international partner to the food industry, delivering innovative ingredient solutions and food concepts across multiple categories. At our Zafron Foods sauce manufacturing site, we specialise in creating exciting, trend-led sauce solutions for Foodservice and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) customers. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Development Technologist to join our growing Foodservice & QSR team at Zafron in Mitcham, Surrey. This is a hands-on development role offering exposure to customer projects, product innovation, factory trials, and commercial launches. It’s an excellent opportunity for someone with FMCG or food manufacturing experience who is passionate about food, enjoys working cross-functionally, and wants to develop their career within a fast-paced and collaborative environment. The Role As a Development Technologist, you will support the successful development and delivery of new and existing products across our Foodservice & QSR portfolio. Working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and customers, you’ll help bring concepts to life - from kitchen development through to production. You’ll also play an important role in maintaining a professional, organised, and customer-ready development environment at the Zafron Foods site. Key Responsibilities Support New Product Development (NPD) projects from customer brief through to launch Assist with Existing Product Development (EPD) and product optimisation activities Prepare and deliver high-quality development samples for customers and internal stakeholders Support recipe scale-up and factory trial processes Assist with raw material testing, ingredient evaluations, and value engineering initiatives Maintain accurate recipe, specification, and development data Support customer visits, presentations, and first production runs Attend customer meetings alongside NPD Lead Managers where required Participate in daily tasting panels and ingredient reviews Build strong working relationships across departments and functions Keep up to date with market trends, new ingredients, packaging developments, and innovation opportunities through supplier engagement and industry workshops What we’re looking for You’ll thrive in this role if you are: Curious, creative, and solutions-focused Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment Customer-oriented with a commercial mindset A strong team player who builds positive relationships Passionate about quality and continuous improvement Skills & experience Essential Experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, or food development, ideally within sauce manufacturing or related categories Passion for food innovation and product development Strong organisational skills and attention to detail Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively Proactive and self-motivated approach Good computer literacy and data management skills Desirable Experience working within sauce manufacturing or businesses producing sauces, dressings, marinades, or similar liquid food products Commercial kitchen or culinary experience Advanced Food Hygiene certification Full UK driving licence Why Join Solina? Joining Solina means becoming part of an international business where food innovation and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll work on exciting Foodservice & QSR projects alongside passionate food professionals, helping bring new ideas from concept to launch for major customers across the industry. We offer a supportive and fast-paced environment where your ideas, creativity, and development genuinely matter — with great opportunities to grow your career within a leading food group Training & Development We believe in investing in our people and supporting long-term career development. From your first day, you’ll receive structured onboarding and hands-on training across key systems, food safety standards, customer requirements, and technical processes. As part of a collaborative and experienced team, you’ll also have ongoing opportunities to develop your technical expertise, broaden your industry knowledge, and continue growing your career within Solina. Apply Now If you’re passionate about food innovation and ready to develop your career within a dynamic and growing business, we’d love to hear from you. Join Solina and help shape the future of Foodservice & QSR innovation!