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Permanent

Principle Development Technologist

Zest
Derbyshire
money-bag £50000 - £65000/annum Package
Posted: 07 September 2026 (Yesterday)
Closing date: 07 October 2026
Ref: 225575342

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading global food ingredients business for a Principal Development Technologist to join their R&D function in Derbyshire. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity for an experienced NPD professional with a background in UK food manufacturing to step into a high-profile role shaping the company''s technical direction and driving innovation that feeds directly into an ambitious European growth strategy. The role also comes with the flexibility of two days working from home each week alongside travel across Europe, giving you real variety and the chance to build relationships and influence projects on an international scale.

As Principal Development Technologist you will take ownership of key innovation, technical and value leadership projects, playing a central role in building capability within local teams while working closely with Global and Regional category teams to support the delivery of regional initiatives. You will also take the lead on knowledge management and knowledge transfer across the wider business, building strong relationships with external technology partners, co-manufacturers and ingredient suppliers along the way. This is a role where your input will genuinely help bring the company''s Purpose Driven Strategy to life, with a strong focus on sustainability and health and nutrition.

You will collaborate regularly across a wide range of internal functions including Unit and European R&D teams, Regulatory, Nutrition, Marketing and Quality, exchanging technical information and keeping projects moving in the right direction. Strong communication skills will be essential as you prepare presentations, work instructions, training documents and detailed technical reports that share knowledge and learnings effectively across the business. You will manage project budgets, lead nutritional reformulation projects and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality around product formulas and intellectual property throughout.

The successful candidate will bring proven NPD experience gained within UK food manufacturing along with the confidence to work independently, using sound judgement and ingenuity to approach complex innovation and technology projects. Strong technical and problem-solving skills will be important, as will the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines effectively and the leadership qualities needed to guide projects through to successful completion. A collaborative, resilient and customer-focused approach will round out your profile, along with the energy and enthusiasm to take on new challenges with a real sense of urgency.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please get in touch with Nicola Richardson on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) to find out more.

As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this ''one of a kind'' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

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