Westmill | part of Associated British Foods plc
Lead Development Technologist
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Lead Development Technologist
Our long history and reputation of being one of Europe’s largest specialist food companies are founded on our commitment to authentic global ingredients. We supply diverse food products to chefs, restaurant owners, takeaways, and a broad consumer base. Our strong portfolio of leading brands—Lucky Boat, Elephant Atta, Rajah, Green Dragon, and Patak’s—encompasses noodles, flour, rice, spices, sauces, and oils. Our passion for food and people fuels collaboration, diversity, and inclusion across all initiatives. Employee resource groups drive an inclusive culture, celebrations, and ensure every team member feels valued from day one. At Westmill, authenticity and real impact are encouraged.
Overview of Role
You will play a pivotal part in transforming innovative food ideas into market-ready products. Collaborating with UK retailers, B2B customers, and industrial stakeholders, you’ll strengthen relationships and deliver commercially competitive solutions. Responsibilities include:
- Leading and supporting New Product Development (NPD) projects end-to-end.
- Conducting ingredient testing, factory trials, benchmarking, and analysis to align with customer, legal, and quality standards while mitigating supply chain risks.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to balance market insights, technical expertise, and project management.
- Driving growth by blending market intelligence, hands-on kitchen/factory experience, and inclusive customer engagement.
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A hands-on presence in development kitchens and factory environments is required.
The Right Person
We seek a commercially driven food professional with a background in:
- Food science, food technology, or nutrition
- Equivalent experience in NPD
- Experience with UK retailers and private label NPD projects (advantageous)
Key qualities include:
- A strong passion for food, curiosity about trends/ingredients, and the ability to turn insights into successful products.
- The organisation, proactivity, and multitasking skills needed to manage projects at pace without compromising accuracy.
- Clear communication, collaboration, and relationship-building with customers, colleagues, and suppliers.
- Equally competent in hands-on kitchen/factory work and data analysis as well as strategic stakeholder management.
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This role requires someone motivated to deliver results with a blend of technical expertise and commercial drive.
Salary and Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Membership in the ABF Pension Scheme
- Annual Incentive Plan
- Private Healthcare
Wellbeing benefits:
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (free and confidential)
- Access to affordable loans and financial education
- electric vehicle and cycle to work salary sacrifice schemes
- Additional holiday purchase option
- Dedicated volunteer day per year
Lifestyle benefits: Access to Extra Spice—a comprehensive benefits platform—from day one, offering discounts on retail and leisure.
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