Zest

Position: Multi-Skilled Engineer Location: Somerset (Commutable from Bristol, Weston-Super Mare, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Blagdon and surrounding areas) Salary: 50,000 - 55,000 Shift: 4O4O - 2Days 2nights Contract: Permanent opportunity WHY THIS ONE IS WORTH A LOOK Brand new kit: around 1m invested in new, increasingly automated machinery Employee-owned: colleagues own a share of the business Open to all flavours of engineer: strong electrical or multi-skilled mechanical/electrical, whichever way you lean Room to grow: learning and development after probation, with a clear route to the next role A team that wants you there: welcoming, supportive engineering teams of around 6-8 THE ROLE Join the Engineering team at an established, ambitious British Food manufacturer on a mission to build a truly world-class engineering function. You'll be a key part of the production process, keeping machinery running smoothly so production runs as effectively and efficiently as possible. It's a large-scale site with five production zones, big volumes of products and a growing list of automated lines, including Tetra Pak, Tecma and Delta equipment. WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING Planned preventative and reactive maintenance across machinery and plant on site Fault finding and keeping downtime to a minimum in a fast-paced, large-scale environment Supporting root cause analysis, continuous improvement and day-to-day operational efficiency Helping with project work as needed, including bringing in new plant and equipment WHAT YOU'LL BRING Experience as a Maintenance Engineer An appropriate engineering qualification, ideally apprenticeship trained Good knowledge of Health & Safety in a food processing environment Ideally, food manufacturing or FMCG production experience Strong electrical skills or multi-skilled (mechanical/electrical) ability, depending on your experience The ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative Nice to have: SCADA experience, and PLC experience would be a bonus. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU 50,000 - 55,000 (DOE), with optional overtime Non-contributory pension and competitive holiday allowance Life cover (3x annual salary) Healthcare cash-back plan (including dental) and a 24-hour doctor line for you and your family Cycle to work scheme and subsidised company products Free parking and top-of-the-range PPE Access to Grocery Aid support A share in the business through employee ownership INTERESTED? LET'S TALK Get in touch to find out more or to be put forward for the role: Phone: (phone number removed) Email: (url removed) Zest Food Jobs Specialist food & drink recruitment As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

We're recruiting a Quality Supervisor for an established food manufacturer. This role suits someone ambitious who wants to build the experience needed to step up into Quality Management. It's a hands-on role with plenty of day-to-day contact with the production team, supporting them on food safety and making sure standards stay high. Reporting to the Technical Manager, you'll lead the QA team, work across production, hygiene and technical, and get broad exposure to audits, lab management, root cause analysis and training. That's the groundwork for a future Quality Manager role. The role: Oversee daily quality audits of production records, including CCPs and QCPs, and spot-check production paperwork Lead and guide the QA team, and work closely with production and hygiene teams so checks are completed accurately and on time Deliver food safety training such as CCP and allergen awareness to production and QA staff, and keep training records up to date Manage laboratory sampling (product, allergen and environmental), review results, and handle out-of-specification results through root cause analysis Carry out metal detection verification, checkweigher checks and chiller/freezer temperature monitoring, and ensure the calibration programme is followed Run internal audits, including glass and hard plastic, GMP and traceability exercises Complete weekly shelf-life checks on raw materials, working with specification technologists on supplier extensions Issue new recipes and QA standards to production, and raise internal concessions where appropriate Support customer complaint investigations, and support the Technical Manager during external audits What you'll bring: At least one year's experience in a manufacturing environment Level 2 Food Safety and HACCP as a minimum An understanding of food safety legislation, GMP and third-party audit requirements A hands-on approach and confidence working alongside production teams The ability to train and coach staff and drive quality improvement An organised, methodical approach, strong written and verbal communication, and good numeracy Computer literacy and comfort with new systems GCSE-level education; a degree in food science, nutrition or a related science is advantageous but not essential Ambition to progress, and a drive to develop your leadership and technical skills toward a Quality Manager role Desirable: an understanding of production processes and machinery, and experience managing customer expectations If your experience aligns and you'd like to have a confidential conversation, call us at Zest Recruitment Solutions on (phone number removed) or send your CV to (url removed). As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Technical Manager (12-Month FTC) South West England 56,000 - 64,000 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract A well-established and growing food manufacturing business in the South West is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead all technical and quality activities across the site. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on technical professional to take ownership of food safety, quality systems, customer compliance, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities - Lead the site's food safety, quality, and compliance agenda - Ensure compliance with BRCGS and customer standards - Chair and manage the HACCP team - Oversee supplier approval and raw material assessment processes - Drive food safety, quality, and hygiene standards across the business - Lead customer, regulatory, and third-party audits - Manage the Quality Management System (QMS) and document control - Manage and develop the site's technical team - Ensure product specifications, labelling, and export compliance requirements are maintained About You - Proven experience within a Technical Manager or Senior Technical leadership role in food manufacturing - Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, retailer standards, and food safety legislation - Experience leading audits and managing customer relationships - Strong leadership and people management skills - Able to influence quality culture across a manufacturing site What's on Offer? - 56,000 - 64,000 salary - 12-month fixed-term contract - Opportunity to lead the technical function for a respected food manufacturing business - Supportive, collaborative leadership team - Fast-paced environment with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement If you're currently operating in a similar Technical role and are looking for your next leadership challenge, we'd love to have a confidential chat. (phone number removed) (url removed) As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Role - Technical Manager Location - North West England Salary - 65,000 - 75,000 Are you an experienced technical leader who's ready to take full ownership of a site's technical function and make a real difference to its future? We're delighted to be supporting a well-established food manufacturer with the appointment of a Technical Manager. This is a senior role. You'll be the most senior technical person on site and a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. You'll have a real voice in how the site develops, and you'll shape its technical strategy, its standards and its culture. The Role -Lead the whole site technical function as the most senior technical person on site -Sit as part of the site Senior Leadership Team -Lead the Technical, Quality and Hygiene teams -Lead all aspects of food safety, quality and compliance -Develop and drive the site technical strategy -Maintain food safety standards in line with BRC and customer requirements -Drive continuous improvement across the site -Lead customer visits and on-site audits -Develop, coach and support the technical team to reach their full potential -Manage and build strong, trusted relationships with customers Requirements: -Proven experience in a senior technical role within food manufacturing -At least 10 years' experience within the food industry -Experience leading customer audits -Strong understanding of HACCP and BRC standards -Experience leading and developing teams -Food Safety and HACCP qualifications -A degree in Food Science or a relevant qualification The ideal candidate will be working in a similar position within food production. If you feel this exceptional opportunity is for you and you meet the above criteria, then click apply and send us an updated copy of your CV - alternatively you can send through your C.V to (url removed) or phone (phone number removed). As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Well-established manufacturer within the FMCG sector, is looking for an experienced Quality Co-ordinator to join their Quality team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a quality professional who is passionate about driving continuous improvement and embedding a right-first-time, zero-defects culture. The Role Promote a proactive Quality & Safety culture across the site Set up and maintain process monitoring on key products Support root cause investigations and CAPA for internal and external non-conformances Apply structured problem-solving techniques (7-Step, 5 Whys) to investigations Carry out and document internal audits, implementing CAPA as required Support External audits (e.g. BRCGS, ISO) Develop and maintain WIs, SOPs, quality documents, policies and procedures Maintain quality reference samples and calibration systems Manage customer documentation, including CoC, CofA and questionnaires Report on quality activities and represent Quality in meetings as required Provide training and support to the wider quality team What We're Looking For Experience working within Quality, ideally within an FMCG environment Internal auditing qualification (BRCGS and/or ISO) Experience handling customer complaints end-to-end Understanding of product safety principles and HACCP Experience of quality management systems Knowledge of Health & Safety; IOSH is desirable but not essential GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths Problem solving / root cause analysis techniques Laboratory experience and Six Sigma Green Belt status are beneficial but not essential Skills & Attributes IT literate, including MS Office Strong organisational and planning skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills at all levels Confident collecting, managing and analysing data Sound judgement and decision-making ability Comfortable working across wider teams to support business strategy Flexible and resilient under pressure, with the ability to meet deadlines A genuine advocate for a quality and continuous improvement culture High accuracy and attention to detail Confident training, coaching and developing others Why Apply? If you're an experienced quality professional looking for your next step, we'd love to hear from you - apply today or get in touch to find out more. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Love a busy production floor and getting stuck into making new products work at scale? This could be the one for you. Zest are working with a large-scale ambient manufacturer in London. They make a huge range of products for some of the UK's best-known retailers. They're growing, they're investing in new technology and they need a Senior Process Technologist to be the link between NPD and production. What you'll be doing -Owning scale-up and process development for new products from concept to launch, so they hit technical and quality standards first time -Planning and leading factory trials across product and packaging and making sure trial reports and documentation are thorough -Being the go-to process expert for the NPD and Production teams and keeping launches on track against the critical path -Leading continuous improvement, efficiency and value engineering projects across the full product and process portfolio -Building and presenting business cases for capital investment, then working with Engineering and Production on commissioning plans for new equipment -Looking out for and championing new manufacturing technologies to support the company's innovation strategy -Being the main contact on process matters for customers, equipment suppliers and third-party manufacturers -Making sure HACCP, food safety, quality and legality standards are built into everything from day one -Coaching and supporting technologists and the wider team What we're looking for -Strong experience as a Process or Process Development Technologist in fast-paced, high-volume food manufacturing and either ready for the step up or already working at senior level -Hands-on knowledge of processes like raw material prep (washing, slicing), extrusion, frying, baking, sheeting and seasoning or flavour application (dust-on, liquid, slurry). Snacks experience is a big plus -A proven track record of leading scale-up and launching new products and processes -Experience putting together capex business cases and commissioning new equipment -A degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering or a related subject -Curiosity, energy and a real passion for food and how it's made, plus a good sense of humour What's in it for you - 50,000 - 53,000 -Major retailer/brand exposure -A senior role with real influence in a business that's investing in innovation, where you'll see your work on shelves all over the UK Interested? pop Danielle Bailey at Zest a line for a confidential chat on (phone number removed) or on (url removed) As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Technical Opportunity Customer-Facing Quality & Technical Role South West Hybrid Working An exciting opportunity has arisen with a highly respected UK food manufacturer for a technical professional looking to combine food safety, quality and customer relationship management within a varied and highly visible role. This position sits within a central technical function and offers significant exposure to major retail customers, cross-functional projects and senior business stakeholders. Key Responsibilities - Managing a portfolio of customer accounts from a technical perspective - Acting as the key technical contact for customer queries and requirements - Supporting customer audits, visits and retailer engagement activities - Coordinating technical projects across multiple manufacturing sites - Providing guidance on customer standards, due diligence and compliance requirements - Working closely with Technical, Quality, Operations and NPD teams - Supporting customer communications during incidents and investigations About You - Experience within food manufacturing - A Technical, Quality or Food Safety background - Strong communication and stakeholder management skills - Experience building relationships across multiple functions - The confidence to engage with customers and represent the business externally - Previous retailer-facing or customer-facing technical experience would be advantageous but is not essential. What's on Offer? - Hybrid working - Competitive salary and bonus - Excellent exposure to major UK retail customers - Strong development opportunities - Supportive management team focused on progression and training - Varied role with a mix of customer interaction, site visits and project work This role would suit someone looking to move away from a purely site-based quality position and into a broader technical role with greater customer engagement and long-term career development. Please reach out on (phone number removed) or email (url removed). As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Job Role - Compliance Manager Location - North West England Salary - 50,000 - 60,000 We're delighted to be working with a long-standing client of ours in food manufacturing to find a Compliance Manager for their technical team. The business is growing well, and they're looking for an experienced compliance professional to strengthen the team and help shape the next stage of that growth. You'll join a supportive technical team and report directly to the Technical Manager. It's a role where your knowledge will make a real difference, and where you'll be trusted to lead and grow. The role -Keep the site audit-ready at all times, so that it stays compliant with BRC and retailer standards -Keep the Quality Management System (QMS) accurate and up to date -Lead and support external visits, including BRC audits and customer visits -Manage customer complaints, non-conformances and investigations, finding root causes and -making sure corrective actions are put in place -Look after existing customer relationships and act as a trusted point of contact -Deputise for the Technical Manager when needed Requirements: -Proven experience in a similar compliance or technical role in food manufacturing (essential) -Strong knowledge of BRC and retailer standards (essential) -A HACCP qualification and a food safety qualification -An internal auditor qualification -A food science degree, or equivalent experience in the industry -Confident communication skills and a calm, organised approach, especially when preparing for audits and handling customer queries The ideal candidate will be working in a similar position within food production. If you feel this exceptional opportunity is for you and you meet the above criteria, then click apply and send us an updated copy of your CV - alternatively you can send through your C.V to (url removed) or phone (phone number removed). As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Development Technologist Every successful launch starts with a brief and someone who can turn it into a recipe that works. This is a role for a technologist who enjoys being there at the very beginning: sitting down with the customer, understanding what they are really asking for and taking it from the first idea through to a product that runs on the factory floor. Zest is recruiting a Development Technologist to join the NPD team at a UK food manufacturer. Reporting to the NPD Manager, you will lead the concept and recipe development stage for new and existing products, working directly with customers to understand the brief in detail, building strong relationships through meetings and sample reviews and making sure what you develop is something the factory can deliver. Day to day, you will create and maintain new product files and project information, develop recipes that meet customer codes of practice on raw material selection and sourcing and keep them within nutritional targets, including HFSS regulations and vitamin claims. You will be hands on, supporting concept development through bench, pilot and main plant activity and managing the kitchen equipment, ingredients and stock needed to prepare samples for customer submission. You will work closely with the Process Technologist to hand over everything needed for trials and launches, share joint responsibility for product quality, recipe and blend control, batch traceability and yields on first productions and help investigate customer complaints where formulation may be the cause. You will also work with Technical, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain and Artwork colleagues to keep information up to date and critical paths on track, and play your part in supporting health and safety across the business. You will bring a food-related qualification or degree, ideally in Chemistry and at least three years in a food manufacturing environment with a proven concept to launch track record. You will have strong kitchen skills, an understanding of functional ingredients, commercial awareness and good project management skills, along with HACCP Level 2 or 3 and knowledge of legal labelling would be an advantage. You will be confident prioritising a busy workload against tight deadlines, with good attention to detail, strong Excel skills and a logical, methodical, proactive approach. You will communicate well with colleagues, customers and suppliers at every level, work equally well alone and as part of a team and be flexible enough to attend customer visits and meetings and provide cover for NPD colleagues when needed. The role is full time and permanent and candidates are required to have To find out more and arrange a confidential conversation, please contact Danielle Bailey on (phone number removed) or (url removed) As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

We are currently working with a growing food manufacture with a great culture and brand. Due to continuous growth we are looking for a Production Manager to join the team, on a Mon-Fri days shift! This role would suit someone who thrives in an independent and autonomous role, including Production Managers, Production Shift Managers or even Area Managers and Section Managers. Responsibilities will include leading/supporting the end to end production functions, including planning and distribution. You will lead weekly production plans around customer orders, stock control and seasonal demand, ensuring H&S, food safety and quality standard are upheld, manage and continuously improve systems and drive people development during a period of growth and change. To be successful in this role you will ideally have experience running smaller/growing teams of 5-10+ reports within Production, with experience working closely with Planning and Despatch. A Chilled/frozen product background would be ideal and 5+ years management experience. If you feel you match the above criteria and wish to apply for this great opportunity, please contact Sam on (phone number removed) or send your CV to (url removed) directly. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

I am looking to speak with experienced Line Leaders/Team Leaders operating in a hands-on capacity within a production environment. Due to the nature of the role, this would suit an individual who is comfortable leading from the front while remaining actively involved on the line itself. We are currently working with a well established, well renowned brand in the food manufacturing industry who are looking for a Line Leader to join the team, on a 12hr days shift only! You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of your line, ensuring output, quality, and standards are consistently met, while also focusing on the people management and development of your team. The site is going through a period of investment and change, so the Line Leader will need to be adaptable and comfortable supporting the wider team through that transition. To be successful in the role, you will need to have experience leading small to medium-sized teams within a food manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on coaching, developing, and holding people accountable to standards. You will need to be a hands-on leader, present on the line, who leads by example and is confident addressing performance or behaviour issues directly and constructively. If you feel you match the above criteria and wish to apply for this great opportunity, please contact Sam on (phone number removed) or send your CV to (url removed) directly. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

I am looking to speak with Operations Managers, Factory Managers, Plant Managers, Head of Manufacturing/Operations or even General Managers. We are currently working with a well established, complex site who are looking for an Operations Manager to join the SLT through a period of change. You will be responsible for delivering short term change management alongside long term operational strategy, deputising for the Site Director, leading the Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement functions, leading improvement projects and enhancing performance, costs, service, quality and safety. To be successful in this role you will need to have experience managing large, complex sites, that bring both reactive and proactive capabilities of improvement, this will suit a well-versed senior leader in the food industry and someone with exposure to a site with a high amount of SKUs. Key attributes will include people leadership, collaborative team leader across departments, empowers others and analytical/strategic planner. If you feel you match the above criteria and wish to apply for this great opportunity, please contact Sam on (phone number removed) or send your CV to (url removed) directly. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)

Imagine walking into a supermarket and spotting a product you created sitting proudly on the shelf. We are partnering with a much-loved food brand known for bold thinking and natural ingredients and they're searching for a curious Product Development Technologist ready to turn creative sparks into products people genuinely love. My client is a true category pioneer with the backing of a major international food group, offering the security of a big business blended with the energy of a brand that loves to think differently. You will bring ideas to life across branded and private label ranges, crafting recipes in the R&D kitchen before guiding them through factory trials and scale up. Using consumer insight, sensory research and stage gate methodology, you'll own projects from first spark to supermarket shelf while championing food safety and quality throughout. This is a brilliant opportunity for a recent graduate or someone early in their food industry journey. You will hold a degree in Food Science, Nutrition or a related subject alongside at least a year of experience in an FMCG R&D, Technical or Quality role and placements absolutely count. Strong organisation, great communication and a genuine passion for food, health and sustainability will help you thrive. Due to the location you'll need a full driving licence and your own car. The package is every bit as tempting as the products. Alongside 30,000 plus a 5% bonus, attractive pension, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, a Health Cash Plan, shopping discounts, a staff shop and free onsite parking. Hours are Monday to Friday. 3 days on site and 2 days WFH. Please note, our client is unable to accept visa applications for this role. If you're ready to create products enjoyed by millions, send your CV to (url removed) or call Nicola on (phone number removed) for a confidential chat. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)