Product Developer II

Scale-up, Product Stability & Technical Support

• Support manufacturing trials, including technical documentation preparation, participation in trials, data capture, sample testing and reporting of outcomes
• Plan and execute real‑time and accelerated shelf‑life and stability studies, analysing results and making technical recommendations
• Provide technical support to manufacturing sites, including investigation of customer complaints and troubleshooting product‑related issues as required
• Generate technical documentation, including formulation records, trial reports, sensory summaries, and development recommendations to support audits and technical governance

Laboratory Practice

• Work in full compliance with Good Laboratory Practice, GMP, food safety, and Health & Safety requirements
• Support routine laboratory activities, and maintain a clean and organised laboratory, adhering to housekeeping and hygiene standards.
• Manage laboratory ingredients, samples, equipment and records to ensure traceability and data integrity.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of digital tools, data analytics, and AI‑enabled approaches to support product development, predictive modelling, formulation optimisation, and trend analysis

Work Experience

• Experienced in product development, formulation, and sensory evaluation within a food and beverage industry
• Experience working with sugars, sweeteners, beverages, flavoured syrups, dessert sauces, and coffee syrups or equivalent
• Strong capability in product formulation, organoleptic assessment and sensory evaluation, with the ability to translate sensory findings into development actions
• Hands‑on laboratory experience (sample preparation, sensory panels, stability testing and accurate data recordings) with adherence to laboratory working standards and good housekeeping practices
• Demonstrated ability to manage time, priorities, and resources effectively, balancing multiple development projects, laboratory activities, and customer requests to meet agreed timelines.
• Proven experience working closely with Marketing and cross‑functional teams (including Quality, Operations, Finance, and Procurement) to translate customer and market briefs into technical development plans and manufacturing solutions.
• Strong communication skills, customer-orientated mindset and confidence working in customer‑facing technical roles
• Good understanding of HACCP principles, food manufacturing, quality systems, and regulatory requirements, with the ability to support the development and implementation of process control and food safety documentation.
• Excellent computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office Suite and familiarity with digital tools for data analysis, reporting, and project management

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

• Minimum B.Sc. in Food Science, Chemistry or related scientific discipline
• Professional certifications in Health and Safety, Food Safety, HACCP, or Quality Management Systems are preferred
• Experience with Genesis, Compusense Sensory, Ilabber, SAP PLM and MDG, or similar softwares is preferred
• Training or certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) and Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) is advantageous

LOCATION OF ROLE

Thames Refinery, UK

Travel Requirements

Less than 15% of travel for business meetings; travel frequency will be minimal and will be based on business needs.

Essential Capabilities (knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Personal Attributes)

• Analytical Thinking & Decision Making – Identifies and understands trends and/or issues; connects data points through analysis to arrive at a logical conclusion.
• Business & Financial Acumen – Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the financial, accounting, marketing and operational functions of our organisation; interpreting and applying understanding of key financial indicators to make better corporate decisions.
• Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner by tailoring one's message to fit the interests and needs of the audience.
• Customer Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external customer(s) in mind at all times. Strives to proactively address customer concerns and needs. Assists business partners and customers to achieve their work goals via application of their own skills and knowledge; strives to provide consistent customer satisfaction.
• Establishes Trust – Gaining the confidence and faith of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, integrious and vulnerable.
• Problem-Solving – Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
• Results Orientation & Accountability – Takes accountability, identifies, executes and drives actions to consistently achieve desired results.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others.
• Adaptability/Flexibility – Maintaining effectiveness in varying environments and with different tasks, responsibilities and people.
• Continuous Improvement – Establishes methods and utilises specialised techniques to monitor and improve performance of systems and processes.
• Self-Development – Seeks feedback on one’s strengths and weaknesses and initiates activities to increase or enhance their knowledge, skills, and proficiency in order to perform more effectively or enhance their career.
• Change Management – Achieves success through change: identifies opportunities for improvement and innovation, removes barriers and resistance, and enables behaviors that support desired outcomes.
• Develops Others – Plans for the growth of others, diligently addressing performance issues and conflicts, both at the individual and organisational level with the purpose of achieving results through the activities of other people.

At Tate & Lyle Sugars, our goal is to be the most admired sweetener Company.

• Service Excellence - Be the industry's Gold Standard by a relentless focus on reliability, providing products with superior quality and excellent customer services.
• Efficiency and Sustainability - Eliminate inefficiency to be a sustainable, low cost producer and to generate fuel for reinvestment.
• Value-Add - create strategic advantage and enhanced profitability through value-added products and services. The foundation of our values is Talent and Culture as we aim to build, retain and motivate a winning team.