Food technologist Under COOP Khayrat

Food technologist, his primary responsibility is to ensure that food products are safe and meet specific standards. He also be involved in developing the manufacturing processes and recipes of food and drink products. This could involve working on both existing and newly-discovered ingredients to invent new recipes and concepts.

Modify foods to create products such as fat-free items and ready meals

work closely with the product development teams to help deliver factory-ready recipes, based on development kitchen samples.

Keeping up with ever-changing food production regulations will be an essential part of the job.

Responsibilities

As a food technologist, need to:

• modify existing products and processes and develop new ones
• check and improve safety and quality control procedures in your own and suppliers' factories, from the raw material stage through to the finished product
• research current consumer markets and latest technologies to develop new product concepts
• select raw materials and other ingredients from suppliers
• prepare product costings based on raw materials and manufacturing costs to ensure profitable products
• audit suppliers or manage internal audits
• run trials of new products - either alongside or together with product development
• coordinate launches of new products
• deal with any customer complaint investigations or product issues
• compile, check and approve product specifications and labelling
• undertake long-term projects with other departments, such as reducing waste by improving efficiency
• work on packaging innovation and technology
• conduct experiments and produce sample products
• design the processes and machinery for making products with a consistent flavor, color and texture in large quantities
• build relationships with suppliers and customers
• ensure products are profitable.

Depending on the sector you work in, you may also do the following additional tasks.

In food manufacturing:

• develop the ability to repeat processes to ensure consistency and safety
• liaise with technical and commercial colleagues in procurement, sales, technical services and marketing and distribution, and with official food inspection and hygiene agencies (this takes up a considerable proportion of time on the manufacturing side)
• work with engineering and production to develop solutions to production issues, while maintaining food safety.

In retailing:

• work with suppliers on quality issues and new product ideas
• manage the safety, legality and quality of food produced.

In the public sector:

• carry out administrative tasks and devise policy for government departments
• implement enforcement roles in local authority environmental health departments.

Qualifications

You'll benefit from having a food-related degree for entry into this area of work. The following subjects in particular are relevant:

• food, nutrition and health
• food safety and quality management
• food science/technology.

Skills

• a genuine interest in science and how it is applied to food and cookery
• high standards of cleanliness and the ability to adhere to strict hygiene rules
• excellent attention to detail
• strong written and verbal communication skills
• leadership qualities
• people and teamworking skills
• a flexible approach to working
• numeracy and problem-solving skills
• good organizational ability and time-management skills
• an awareness of the consumer market.