Graduate Food Technologist

Graduate Food Technologist (Quality, NPD & Technical) Location: Cheshire, Northwest (commutable from Chester, Deeside, Wirral, Runcorn, Wrexham) Salary: Up to £30,000 + Bonus + Excellent Development Are you a recent Food Science,Food Technology or Nutrition graduate ready to launch your career in the food industry? We’re recruiting a Graduate Food Technologist on behalf of a growing food ingredients business supplying customers in over 40 countries worldwide. Despite its international reach, this isn't a corporate giant. It's a small, agile business where you'll quickly get to know everyone – and they'll get to know you. You won't just be a face in the crowd. That agility extends to the role itself. If you're looking for a highly structured graduate programme with rigid boundaries, this probably isn't for you. But if you want real exposure, faster development, greater responsibility and a broader remit than most graduate roles can offer, read on. The Role - Graduate Food Technologist You’ll begin in the Quality team: • Work with product specifications, customer questionnaires and technical documentation • Support compliance activities and audit preparation • Develop strong attention to detail in a regulated food environment • Progress to leading smaller audits (e.g. Kosher, Halal) within your first year! You’ll also spend time in New Product Development (NPD): • Support sample preparation and lab trials • Assist in developing commercially viable food products • Translate customer requirements into technical solutions • Travel to visit customers at their manufacturing sites (including internationally)! Along the way, you’ll build Regulatory knowledge: • Build knowledge of food labelling regulations and HACCP • Become part of the internal HACCP team • Gain exposure to food safety and compliance processes In short, this is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience across three critical functions – Quality, NPD and Technical. Once you've developed a clearer sense of where you'd like your career to go, the business will support you in taking that next step. About You • Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or related scientific discipline • Passion for the food industry – graduates who haven’t done a food-focused degree will have to prove this passion! • Strong communication and organisational skills • High attention to detail • Proactive, motivated and keen to learn What’s on Offer • Starting salary up to £30,000 • Bonus eligibility (after year one) • Extensive training and development • Clear progression opportunities • 24 days holiday (increasing with service) • Broad exposure across QA, NPD and Technical functions Location & Eligibility • Based in the Northwest • Must be within commuting distance or willing to relocate • Due to the location, a driving license and your own vehicle will be essential • Available to start July / August 2026 • Must have the right to work in the UK (no sponsorship available, either now or in the future) Why Apply? This isn’t a rigid graduate scheme - it’s an opportunity to gain real industry experience, faster responsibility and broader exposure than most graduate roles in food manufacturing. If you're looking to build a career in Quality, Technical or NPD but you’re not quite sure which direction you’d like to take your career, this role offers the perfect foundation. Apply now to kick-start your career in the food industry. Other suitable skills and experience include: Graduate Food Technologist, Graduate Food Scientist, Food Technology Graduate, Food Science Graduate, Graduate NPD Technologist, Graduate QA Technologist.