The Business
Patties Food Group is a value-led organisation with a rich Australian history, home to iconic brands including Four'N Twenty, Patties, Herbert Adams, Nanna's, Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers, and On the Menu. Our values of courage, trust, integrity, and ownership underpin our growth from a local company to an international presence. We are the market leader in frozen savoury and frozen meals, with 6 manufacturing sites across Australia and New Zealand, and over 1700 employees. Our purpose is to delight customers with delicious, convenient food—yesterday, today, and forever.
The Role
We are offering a 9-month fixed-term contract for an Innovation Technologist to support the successful launch of new products. You will oversee process improvements, including establishing and validating internal shelf life for WIP components, premixes, and blends used in manufacturing. Reporting to the Innovation Manager, your responsibilities will include:
1. Supporting product innovation and development projects from concept to commercialisation.
2. Conducting and overseeing product and process trials, including preparation, execution, documentation, and review.
3. Collaborating with Procurement, Finance, and Operations to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimise formulations.
4. Ensuring products meet food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
5. Producing and dispatching product samples for evaluation, customer approval, and testing.
6. Completing product specifications and trial documentation accurately, with a focus on quality.
7. Supporting first production runs, including line setup, ingredient prep, and troubleshooting.
8. Coordinating cross-functional teams for smooth product launches, including marketing, quality, engineering, and operations.
9. Recommending formulation or process adjustments during manufacturing to resolve issues and maintain flow.
10. Promoting safety by adhering to OH&S guidelines and safe work practices.
The Person
Ideal candidates will have:
1. A tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
2. Hands-on experience in product development, line trials, or food manufacturing environments.
3. Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and quality assurance.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quick learning of internal systems.
5. Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
6. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to improvements.
What We Offer
At Patties Food Group, we value our people, brands, and culture. We are committed to an inclusive, fair workplace and offer:
* Generous benefits, flexible work arrangements, and salary packaging.
* Take-home products for employees and families.
* Employee Assistance Program, parental leave, and social activities.
* A dynamic team environment focused on growth and innovation.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies, and any resumes submitted without a valid agreement will be deemed the property of Patties Food Group.
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