Finsbury Food Group
Development - Senior Development Technologist
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Development - Senior Development Technologist
Senior Development Technologist
Location: Nicholas & Harris Ltd (Salisbury), with occasional travel to other sites Shift: Monday to Friday Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Job Overview
Finsbury Food Group is seeking a Senior Development Technologist to join our Development team at the Nicholas & Harris bakery site. With over 180 years of heritage in craft baking, we specialise in organic, artisanal, and dietary-specific bread products. This role involves innovating bakery products, delivering high-quality samples, and collaborating across teams to drive product success. You’ll focus primarily on sourdough and hot cross buns, working in a fast-paced, creative environment to meet customer briefs, commercial targets, and quality standards.
About the Role
Our leading speciality bakery manufacturer operates within the foodservice sector, supplying high-quality bakery products. As a Senior Development Technologist, you’ll:
- Develop and innovate new bakery products, translating customer briefs into commercially viable launches.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, Technical, Commercial, Operations) to ensure efficiency, scalability, and quality.
- Monitor and benchmark product quality, identifying and analysing improvements.
- Contribute to critical path plans, managing resources to meet agreed timelines and quality standards.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a forward-thinking bakery business with a friendly, engaged team, growth opportunities, and long-term career development.
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Key Responsibilities
- Apply technical expertise in bakery product development, specialising in sourdough and hot cross buns, to create innovative, commercially successful products.
- Work closely with customers, internal teams, and suppliers to refine product specifications, costs, and margins.
- Ensure process optimisation and manufacturing scalability for new products.
- Provide clear, persuasive communication of technical data and innovations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Troubleshoot and action quality-related issues, escalating concerns to the Development Manager.
Qualifications & Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
- A degree in Food Science/Technology or equivalent qualification (or significant experience).
- Industry experience (3+ years) in bakery product development, with:
- Proficiency in sourdough and hot cross buns.
- Hands-on experience in fermented bakery product innovation.
- Knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes.
- Competent communication skills, including:
- Presenting technical details to non-specialist and customer groups.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for meetings/site visits when needed.
Qualifications
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (minimum requirement).
- Preferred: Higher-level food safety qualifications (e.g., Level 3 Food Hygiene).
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Benefits & Perks
We value our team’s well-being and professional growth. Our benefits package includes:
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave for quality family time.
- Enhanced Pension Scheme contributing to your long-term security.
- Death in Service Benefit for peace of mind.
- Free Employee Assistance Programme, supporting you and your family.
- Retail discounts via Benefits Hub.
- Discounted company shop on-site (feast on your employees’ latest creations!).
- Refer-a-Friend Scheme (cash rewards up to £300 per successful referral).
- Annual Employee Recognition Awards celebrating achievements.
- Comprehensive Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Sponsored professional memberships (e.g., ISTA, CPDO).
- In-house bakery skills training.
- A fulfilling role in a fast-growing, quality-driven organisation.
Why Join Us?
At Nicholas & Harris, we’re driving UK bakery innovation through skilled teams, creativity, and quality. As an integral member of our Development group, you’ll support both your personal career goals and our mission to remain the leading specialty bakery in the UK. Join us to contribute, develop, and shape the future of food innovation!
Next Steps: Start your journey by connecting with us—communicate your passion, technical skills, and partnership potential! 🚀
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