Product Design Technologist - Sauces and UHT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Design Technologist - Sauces and UHT Company: Macphie Ltd Location: Glenbervie, Scotland, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Development / Food Technology Operations Date Posted: August 12, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the end-to-end product design and development lifecycle for sauces and UHT-processed food products, requiring a strong understanding of food science and processing technologies.
• The position involves optimizing existing operations and processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality and safety, aligning with continuous improvement methodologies.
• Key responsibilities include managing process design projects from conception through to full-scale production, including trial supervision, data analysis, and cross-functional liaison.
• The role demands a blend of technical expertise in food formulation and processing, coupled with excellent problem-solving, planning, and communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the detailed responsibilities around factory trials, process optimization, and liaison with production, planning, and QC, this role is firmly situated within the operations and product development spectrum of the food technology sector. The emphasis on bridging the gap between the development kitchen and the production line highlights a critical operations function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Progress, monitor, and report on assigned Process Design Projects, including the setup and supervision of factory trials for new and improved products.
• Review and optimize current operational processes to achieve cost reductions, enhance safety protocols, and elevate overall product quality standards.
• Assess and manage the impact of introducing new equipment, raw materials, manufacturing methods, and packaging solutions on existing operations.
• Provide crucial support during the commissioning phase of new equipment, ensuring seamless integration into production lines.
• Establish and communicate reprocessing materials and product specifications as required, maintaining operational integrity and compliance.
• Conduct thorough reviews of current operations to identify opportunities for optimization, efficiency improvements, and the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Enhance product quality through strategic process modifications, line adjustments, amendments to process controls, or the introduction of new equipment.
• Liaise effectively with Planning, Purchasing, Stock Control, Production, and Quality Control departments to arrange and execute factory trials.
• Undertake product design work as necessary, ensuring alignment with market needs and company objectives.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and share learnings with Operations staff during the scale-up process from pilot stages to full-scale factory production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed clearly indicate a role deeply embedded in the operational execution of product development. The emphasis on factory trials, process optimization, quality enhancement, and cross-functional collaboration with production and QC departments points to a hands-on operational role rather than a purely theoretical R&D position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field, with a strong preference for Food Processing, Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other relevant scientific disciplines.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in product development and Research & Development (R&D) within the food industry.
• Proven track record in sauce formulation and UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) processing is essential for this role.

Required Skills:

• Food Processing & Formulation: Proven experience in sauce formulation and UHT processing is critical.
• Problem Solving: Natural aptitude for identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and developing effective solutions for process-related challenges.
• Planning & Organization: Excellent ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple projects, trials, and tasks efficiently.
• Communication: First-class communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective liaison with cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers.
• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of commercial implications and customer requirements in product development and manufacturing.
• Analytical Skills: Good analytical data skills for interpreting trial results, process performance, and statistical data.
• Project Management: Ability to progress, monitor, and report on assigned process design projects effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Raw Materials Knowledge: Familiarity with various raw materials, food systems, and their behavior in processing.
• Statistical Techniques: Knowledge of statistical methods for data analysis, process control, and quality assessment.
• Testing Procedures: Understanding of laboratory equipment, kitchen environments, and standard testing procedures relevant to food products.
• Continuous Improvement Methodologies: Experience with implementing and driving continuous improvement initiatives within an operational setting.
• New Equipment Commissioning: Experience supporting the installation and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "proven experience in sauce formulation and UHT processing is essential" and "demonstrate previous experience in Product Development and R&D within the food industry" suggests that candidates should be able to provide concrete examples and data points from past roles that showcase their technical proficiency and project impact. The required skills like "Planning," "Organizing," and "Communication" are foundational for operational roles that involve complex coordination.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear progression of product development projects, showcasing the journey from initial concept to successful production.
• Include case studies that highlight process optimization efforts, detailing the challenges, methodologies employed, and quantifiable improvements in efficiency, cost, or quality.
• Showcase examples of troubleshooting and problem-solving in a production or pilot plant environment, illustrating your approach to resolving operational issues.
• Provide evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., Production, QC, Planning) and how you managed stakeholder expectations during product development and scale-up.
• Highlight any experience with new equipment integration or process modifications, detailing the planning, execution, and outcome.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of detailed project plans and trial protocols developed for new product introductions or process improvements.
• Documentation of process flow diagrams or operational workflows that have been analyzed and optimized.
• Evidence of data analysis and reporting from factory trials or process improvement initiatives, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and their interpretation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not just list projects but provide context. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the specific challenges they faced in scaling up a sauce or UHT product, the data they used to make process adjustments, and the measurable impact of those adjustments on production efficiency, product quality, and cost. Quantifiable results are key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Product Design Technologists with 2-5 years of experience in the UK food manufacturing sector, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £30,000 and £45,000 per annum. This estimate considers the specific technical expertise required, the location in Scotland, and the mid-level experience expectation.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: 23 days plus 9 public holidays (total 32 days).
• Profit-Related Pay (PRP): Conditional PRP based on company performance.
• Pension: 5% employee contribution matched by a 3% employer contribution.
• Health & Wellness: Employee Assistance Program, 24/7 GP line, Leisure Subsidy Scheme, free fruit.
• Commute: Cycle-to-work scheme, electric car charging stations, free parking.
• Learning & Development: Company further education scheme.
• Family Support: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay.
• Exclusive Benefits: Education bursary via employee trust, Funeral Concierge Service (Everest).
• Group Benefits (Post-Probation): Private medical insurance, Westfield Health, permanent health insurance, 3x death in service life assurance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are assumed to be around 40 hours per week, typical for a manufacturing environment, with flexibility potentially available depending on project needs and trial schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from general UK market data for similar roles in food manufacturing, considering regional cost of living and the specific technical skills (sauce formulation, UHT processing). The detailed benefits package suggests a company that invests in employee well-being and long-term engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food Ingredient Manufacturing. Macphie Ltd is a well-established family-owned business specializing in producing high-quality food ingredients, including sauces, bakery items, and ice cream toppings, serving major food brands globally. Company Size: While specific numbers aren't provided, the description mentions sites in Glenbervie, Glasgow, and the Midlands, suggesting a medium to large-sized operation with a significant national footprint. Founded: Founded as a family ingredient manufacturer, implying a history of tradition, quality, and potentially a culture that values long-term relationships and employee loyalty.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Product Design Manager, indicating a structured product development department.
• The Product Design Technologist will likely work closely with R&D teams, production floor staff, Quality Control (QC) personnel, Planning, Purchasing, and Stock Control departments.
• Collaboration will extend to external stakeholders such as customers and suppliers, emphasizing the importance of strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: The role requires an aptitude for "analytical data skills" and "problem solving," suggesting a data-driven approach to process optimization and product development.
• Process Optimization: A core function is to "review and optimise current operations" and "deliver continuous improvement," indicating a commitment to lean manufacturing principles or similar efficiency-focused methodologies.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The need to liaise with multiple departments for trials and scale-up highlights a collaborative working style as a key operational methodology.

Company Website: https://www.macphie.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description as an "internationally acclaimed family ingredient manufacturer" suggests a blend of established operational excellence and a family-oriented culture. The mention of multiple sites indicates a need for robust operational processes and the ability to adapt to different manufacturing environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level position, suitable for an individual with 2-5 years of relevant experience in food product development and processing. It represents a significant step up from junior roles, offering hands-on project management and process ownership. Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Product Design Manager, providing a clear line of management and mentorship. This structure allows for direct oversight of projects and performance, as well as guidance on career development within the product development operations function. Operations Impact: The Product Design Technologist has a direct impact on the company's ability to bring new products to market efficiently, improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of existing products, and ensure smooth transitions from laboratory development to full-scale manufacturing. This directly influences customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and ultimately, revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in sauce formulation and UHT processing, potentially leading to a specialization as a Senior Product Development Technologist or Process Specialist within the company.
• Skill Development: Access to the company's further education scheme and on-the-job learning from the Product Design Manager and cross-functional teams can enhance skills in project management, data analysis, and food science.
• Leadership Potential: Successful performance in this role, particularly in managing trials and optimizing processes, could pave the way for future leadership positions within the R&D or Operations departments, such as Team Lead or Manager roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Product Design Technologist in food manufacturing often involves moving into more senior development roles, process engineering, or even operational management, depending on individual interests and company needs. The emphasis on "continuous improvement" and "new equipment introduction" suggests opportunities to develop project management and capital investment assessment skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Glenbervie site, which is described as picturesque and tranquil, suggesting a rural or semi-rural setting. While there may be office-based work, the nature of the role necessitates significant time spent in development kitchens, pilot plants, and on the production floor. Office Location(s): Glenbervie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom. Macphie also has sites in Glasgow and the Midlands. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be dynamic, involving hands-on laboratory work, pilot plant operations, and factory floor engagement.
• Collaboration will be a key aspect, with frequent interaction with production teams, quality assurance, and other R&D colleagues.
• Access to modern food processing equipment, laboratory facilities, and relevant software for data analysis and reporting is expected.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (likely around 40 hours per week) apply. However, flexibility may be required to accommodate factory trials, which can sometimes occur outside of standard business hours or on specific production shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared for a hands-on, operational environment that requires adaptability and a willingness to be present on the factory floor to observe and troubleshoot processes in real-time. The "tranquil landscapes" of Glenbervie might appeal to those seeking a balance between a focused work environment and a pleasant location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview: A discussion with the Product Design Manager or a senior member of the R&D/Operations team focusing on technical skills, specific experience with sauces and UHT processing, and problem-solving approaches.
• Practical/Case Study: Potentially a practical assessment or a case study related to product formulation, process optimization, or troubleshooting a common issue in sauce production or UHT processing. This might involve presenting a past project.
• On-site Visit: An opportunity to visit the Glenbervie site, meet the team, and potentially see the facilities.
• Final Interview: Could involve a senior manager or director to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state the objective, your role, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced processing time by 15%", "Improved product shelf-life by 10%", "Successfully scaled up product by X%").
• Showcase Process Understanding: Detail the specific process steps you managed, optimized, or troubleshooted. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.
• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with different departments to achieve project goals, emphasizing communication and problem-solving strategies.
• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight experience most relevant to sauces and UHT processing, and process improvement.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your projects, explain your decisions, and answer detailed questions about challenges and outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate questions about scaling up products from lab to plant, troubleshooting common issues in UHT processing (e.g., heat transfer, microbial stability), and optimizing sauce viscosity or texture.
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of HACCP, GMP, and other food safety and quality standards relevant to operational processes.
• Practice articulating your problem-solving methodology clearly and concisely, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "progressing, monitoring and reporting of assigned Process Design Projects" suggests that candidates should be ready to discuss their project management approach, including how they track progress, manage timelines, and communicate updates to stakeholders.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Laboratory Equipment: Standard food science lab equipment for formulation, testing, and analysis (e.g., viscometers, pH meters, refractometers, analytical balances).
• Pilot Plant Equipment: Scaled-down versions of industrial processing equipment for trials, including small-scale reactors, homogenizers, pasteurizers, and filling machines relevant to sauces and UHT products.
• Production Equipment: Familiarity with industrial-scale UHT processing units, sauce production kettles, filling lines, and packaging machinery.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel for data analysis, statistical calculations, and creating charts/graphs from trial results.
• Statistical Software (Potentially): Tools like Minitab or similar for more advanced statistical analysis of process data and experimental design.
• Data Management Systems: Experience with inventory management or batch tracking systems may be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) used in food production could be advantageous for understanding operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in using laboratory and pilot plant equipment is critical. The ability to translate pilot results into actionable insights for full-scale production, often involving data analysis in tools like Excel, is paramount for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Safety: A strong commitment to maintaining high product quality and ensuring the safety of all operational processes and products.
• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A drive to optimize processes, reduce waste, and consistently seek better ways of working.
• Collaboration: A culture that values teamwork and open communication across departments to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation: Encouragement to develop and champion new ideas for product and process improvement.
• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of both internal (production) and external customers (food brands).

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close working relationships with production teams, QC, supply chain, and sales/marketing departments.
• Process Review Culture: The role involves reviewing and optimizing processes, implying a culture that is open to feedback, constructive criticism, and iterative improvements.
• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share learnings from trials and projects with colleagues to foster collective growth and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a family business, Macphie likely fosters a culture that values long-term relationships, employee dedication, and a sense of shared purpose. Candidates who can demonstrate a proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving will likely fit well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Up: Translating successful lab-scale formulations and processes to efficient, consistent, and cost-effective full-scale production can be complex, involving potential changes in equipment, mixing dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Process Variability: Managing and mitigating variability from raw materials, equipment, and environmental factors to ensure consistent product quality in UHT processing and sauce production.
• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders across different departments (Production, QC, Planning, etc.) are aligned on trial objectives, execution, and outcomes.
• Balancing Innovation and Operations: Driving new product development while maintaining efficiency and quality in existing operations requires careful resource management and prioritization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Food Processing Techniques: Gaining in-depth knowledge of UHT processing, aseptic processing, and advanced sauce manufacturing techniques.
• Process Engineering Fundamentals: Developing skills in process design, optimization, and the application of engineering principles to food manufacturing.
• Project Management: Enhancing project management capabilities through hands-on experience in leading product development initiatives from concept to commercialization.
• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to industry best practices in food safety, quality assurance, and operational efficiency through work on diverse projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core challenge of this role lies in its bridging function: taking innovative concepts from R&D and translating them into robust, scalable, and profitable operational processes. Success here requires a deep understanding of both food science and manufacturing realities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process Design Projects: "Describe a process design project you managed from start to finish. What were the key stages, challenges, and your role in ensuring its success? How did you report progress?"
• Operational Optimization: "Walk me through a time you identified an inefficiency in a food production process and what steps you took to optimize it. What were the results?"
• Sauce Formulation/UHT Processing: "Describe your experience with sauce formulation. What are the critical parameters you monitor for texture, stability, and flavor? Discuss a challenge you faced with UHT processing and how you addressed it."
• Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between R&D, Production, and Quality Control during new product trials?"
• Problem Solving: "Tell me about a time you encountered an unexpected problem during a factory trial. How did you approach troubleshooting and what was the resolution?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Macphie's product range, their target markets, and any recent news or innovations to understand their business strategy and operational focus.
• Consider how your skills and experience align with the company's values, such as being a family ingredient manufacturer and their commitment to quality.
• Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in working for Macphie and specifically in this role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., New Product Development, Process Improvement). For each project, use a clear structure: Objective, Your Role, Key Actions, Challenges, Results (quantified where possible).
• Visual Aids: Use charts, graphs, or simple flow diagrams to illustrate process steps, data analysis, or improvements.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most relevant projects concisely, focusing on the impact and your contribution.
• Storytelling: Frame your experiences as stories that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and ability to drive results in an operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: When discussing process optimization, emphasize your understanding of efficiency metrics and how your actions directly contributed to cost savings, reduced waste, or increased throughput. For product development, focus on the journey of a product from ideation to successful commercialization, highlighting your role in overcoming technical hurdles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Design Technologist position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight direct experience in sauce formulation, UHT processing, product development, and process optimization within the food industry. Use keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements with numbers and metrics.
• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing relevant projects. Focus on demonstrable results, process understanding, and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to discuss your contributions and the impact of your work.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer technical questions about food processing, formulation, and troubleshooting. Practice using the STAR method to articulate your experiences and problem-solving approaches. Research Macphie thoroughly.
• Company Research: Understand Macphie's product lines, market position, and company values to articulate your fit and enthusiasm for the role and the organization.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.