Senior Product Technologist (Innovation)

What we’re looking for…

Within R&D at AG Barr we believe that the quality, taste and pack presentation of our products is right at the heart of the success of the business. We pride ourselves in delivering a superior product experience through our rigorous consumer research programme and ensuring the authenticity of our flavours.

This role is to design, develop & validate great tasting products in line with consumer expectations whilst leading the formulation aspects of projects, supporting from concept to launch.

As our Senior Beverage Technologist, you will be responsible for:

• Leading the formulation aspects of projects from concept through to launch.
• Creating & developing great tasting liquid formulations.
• Use of strong product development & sensory knowledge to validate prototypes.
• Value engineering existing recipes without impacting on product quality.
• Benchmarking of competitor products.
• Researching & sharing knowledge on new ingredients
• Working with the innovation team and attending innovation workshops to develop new drink ideas.
• Managing the introduction of new raw materials into the business using our raw material and recipe management system.
• Working closely with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure the successful scale up from lab trials into production.
• Ensuring product quality is consistent throughout shelf life.
• Generating accurate nutritional and recipe specifications using our raw material and recipe management system.
• Providing technical support on consumer & trade enquiries.

What you’ll bring…

Educated to degree level, ideally in a Food Science or equivalent discipline.

5 years of experience in a formulation R&D environment or equivalent with a strong knowledge of sensory evaluation tools & techniques.

Excellent sensory skills with the ability to detect subtle differences in flavour, aroma, and appearance to ensure product matching.

Strong understanding of food/beverage quality systems, specification management (ideally Hamilton Grant or similar), and raw material documentation requirements (e.g COAs).

Highly effective communication skills, comfortable coordinating complex projects and following up with external suppliers and internal cross-functional teams.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong self-motivation and proactive problem-solving skills.

Good interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.

Flexible and adaptable approach to work, with the ability to manage changing priorities and demands.

Available to travel to manufacturing sites and to visit suppliers.

You will also demonstrate our AG Barr behaviours of Being Honest, Accountable, Connected and Brave.

What we offer…

We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive culture where your voice can be heard. Our skilled, loyal and committed people are critical to the future success of AG Barr which is why we are continually investing in our employees to develop their talent.

We look after our employees by offering a competitive salary and benefits package which includes:

• Uncapped bonus linked to business performance
• Defined contribution Pension
• Up to 34 days holiday (depending on shift pattern)
• Flexible holiday trading
• Flexible cash pot to spend on benefits
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Flexible benefits e.g. discounts & cashbacks, gym memberships, technology purchases etc
• Life assurance
• Save as you earn scheme
• Staff sales discount
• Free AG Barr products throughout your working day and staff sales
• Annual salary review
• Ongoing professional development and access to Learning and Development programmes and content
• And much more!