Food Technologist

About Kepak Group

Kepak is a prominent food enterprise with operations across Ireland and the UK, employing over 4,500 staff within its Foods, Meat UK, and Meat Ireland divisions. Driven by core values—Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork—it supplies fresh and value-added meat products to both retail and foodservice customers. It operates private label partnerships and owns notable brands such as Rustlers, Big Al's, and John Stone.

The Foods Division includes more than 1,000 employees working at five manufacturing sites, targeting the growth of a modernized and profitable €0.5 billion food business by 2030, serving customers throughout the UK, Ireland, and selected European markets.

Role Overview

We seek a meticulous Food Technologist with enthusiasm for product quality, regulatory compliance, and innovation to join our York team. Reporting to the Senior Food Technologist, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing artwork, packaging specifications, supplier documentation, and technical compliance. Ensuring that product details, packaging text, specifications, and documents are accurate and meet legal, customer, and internal guidelines is critical.

This role involves cross-departmental coordination with various internal teams and external partners, supporting product launches, audits, food safety practices, and continuous enhancements. The position also includes managing customer portals and keeping stakeholders updated on changes.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and verify packaging copy for site-manufactured products.
• Assess and approve raw material specifications to comply with customer, technical, and regulatory standards.
• Respond efficiently to supplier questionnaires, customer inquiries, and technical documentation requests.
• Coordinate technical processes supporting product introductions and oversee artwork approval workflows.
• Manage packaging specifications and related technical documents accurately.
• Generate and maintain product and packaging coding systems such as DB, SE, NWF, PK, and others.
• Support food safety by keeping specifications and technical data current and compliant with legislation.
• Oversee the artwork approval process ensuring packaging and labeling meet legal, regulatory, and customer demands across key markets.
• Effectively communicate customer requirements throughout the site and monitor compliance status.
• Address technical queries from customers promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, New Product Development, Operations, Procurement, and Technical teams to meet business goals and ensure smooth product launches.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related discipline.
• Minimum one year of experience in Quality, Technical, or Labelling roles within the food industry, with readiness to progress further.
• Understanding of HACCP principles, Critical Control Points (CCPs), and related monitoring.
• Familiarity with legislation, customer standards, food safety requirements, and pertinent technical systems.
• Capable of maintaining high standards within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Participation in company pension scheme.
• Support for continuing education.
• Access to a dedicated Learning & Development team.
• Bike to Work scheme allowing purchase of bicycles and safety gear through a salary sacrifice program that reduces taxable income.
• Recognition and awards for long service employees.
• Complimentary BUPA Cash plan coverage.