Innovation Technologist

Description:

The Business
Patties Food Group is a value-led organisation with a rich Australian history, home to some of our most iconic and enduring brands including Four’N Twenty, Patties, Herbert Adams, Nanna’s, Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers and On the Menu. Our company values of courage, trust, integrity, and ownership reflect our origin as a proudly local company and have helped form a strong foundation for international growth. Of course, along with brands, and great assets, the other vital ingredient in our recipe for success is – GREAT PEOPLE , and that is where you come in!
The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for an Innovation Technologist that will contribute and play a key role to the successful launch of new products. You will look after the process improvements, including establishing and validation of the internal shelf life for WIP components, premixes and blends being used in the manufacturing site. Reporting to the Innovation Manager, your duties will include but not be limited to;

• Support the delivery of product innovation and development projects from concept through to commercialisation.
• Conduct and oversee product and process trials, including preparation, execution, documentation, and post-trial reviews.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Finance, and Operations to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimise existing formulations.
• Ensure new and modified products meet food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Produce and send product samples for internal evaluation, customer approval, and laboratory testing.
• Complete product specifications and trial documentation with a focus on accuracy and a “right first time” approach.
• Support first production runs, including assisting with line setup, ingredient preparation, and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver smooth product launches, including marketing, quality, engineering, and operations.
• Recommend formulation or process adjustments during manufacturing to resolve issues and maintain production flow.
• Promote a strong culture of safety by adhering to OH&S guidelines and demonstrating safe work practices.

The Person
To be selected for this role, we are looking for someone with passion for this space as well as skills and experience with the following;

• Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Hands-on experience in product development, line trials, or food manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards, HACCP, and quality assurance practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to quickly learn internal systems and tools.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements.

What we offer you
At Patties Food Group we are passionate about our people, brands and culture! We are an Equal Opportunity employer, committed to providing an inclusive environment where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. As a member of the Patties Food Group team, you will have access to;

• Generous employee benefits that compliment a positive work/life balance, including salary packaging as well flexible working arrangements.
• Take home products for you and your family to enjoy
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP) services, supportive parental leave options and multiple social and engagement activities.
• Patties people; hungry humble and focussed. Join us now!

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fee of any type will be paid in the event we hire a candidate whose resume is submitted by an employment agency to any of our employees without a valid written recruitment agreement. Such resumes shall be deemed the sole property of Patties Food Group.