What does a Product Development Technologist do?

A Product Development Technologists’ role will vary depending on which company you work for, but there is always a good level of office and hands-on opportunities. We help facilitate with the development of new and existing products by looking for new trends and comparing with the current market, building and costing recipes, sourcing new ingredients and packaging, conducting taste panels, reviewing nutritional test results, and supporting with internal and external product presentations. As you progress into more senior roles, you will be involved with managing projects, people and your customer or product category. There are also opportunities to get out of the office such as when visiting factories, going to food events, or presenting to a customer. I find each day to be varied and exciting, and there are always new ways to learn and improve which makes the job interesting.

How did you end up in this job?

I had always been interested in food but became particularly interested in product development when I took Food Technology at school and continued studying it at GSCE and A-level. After secondary school I took a year out of study to decide what I wanted to do and which route I should take, whether that was through university or an apprenticeship. I decided to enrol with Bath Spa University. When looking at university options, I found most Food and Nutrition related degrees required you to take a Science A-level which I didn’t do, so it was great that Bath Spa University offered a Food degree which didn’t require you have an A level in a science. However, lots of universities do not require you to take a Food Technology A level, so if you attend a school which doesn’t offer a Food Technology A-level, but you were interested in going to university, you could still take a Food related degree.

I applied for Bakkavor’s development graduate programme during my third year of university and started the role in September 2021. I hadn’t heard of Bakkavor until my second year when they visited my university where I found out that they were the leading UK manufacturer for Fresh Prepared Foods. Fresh Prepared Foods includes ready meals, pizzas, desserts, salads, and breads, so I knew there was a lot of opportunity innovation within the company, hence why I applied.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing this career?

Look for opportunities to increase your knowledge and passion for food and the food industry at whatever age you are. Look at being involved in any food-related clubs or competitions. Look to work, gain work experience or volunteer for food-related businesses. Attend food shows and festivals to try new foods and get ideas for new food concepts and flavours. If your school offers Food Technology or cooking of baking clubs, see if you can be an ambassador for the subject or help with any activities they run. By being involved and interested in food throughout your time at school, you’ll be able to demonstrate to a future employer your interest in Food Development when look to apply.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Seeing products that you worked on featured on the shelves! It’s a great to see all the hard work you have done pay off and being enjoyed by consumers. A bonus of the job is getting to consume lots of food samples!

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I have loved my time in development so far and want to continue to work as a developer within the Food Industry. I hope that I will progress to more senior management roles in the upcoming years, with the aim to be a development manager where I will look after my own customer or category and take ownership of projects.