Innovation Technologist

The Business Patties Food Group is a value-led organisation with a rich Australian history, home to some of Australia's 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. Patties is the market leader in frozen savoury and frozen meals categories, with six manufacturing sites across Australia and New Zealand and a workforce of more than 1,700 employees. Our purpose is to delight our customers with delicious and convenient food, yesterday, today and forever. The Role We have an exciting opportunity for an Innovation Technologist to join our Research & Development team at our Pakenham site. This is a 12-month fixed term opportunity which plays a key part in developing and commercialising new products while supporting continuous improvement initiatives across our manufacturing operations. Responsibilities Reporting to the Innovation Manager, you will work closely with Procurement, Operations, Engineering, Quality and Production teams to develop innovative products, optimise existing formulations and ensure successful product launches. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Support the delivery of product innovation and development projects from concept through to commercialisation.
• Develop and optimise product formulations for new and existing products across the Patties portfolio.
• 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 formulations and ingredient usage.
• Establish and validate internal shelf-life requirements for work-in-progress components, premixes and blends.
• Ensure new and modified products meet food safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Produce and coordinate product samples for internal evaluation, customer approvals and laboratory testing.
• Complete product specifications, formulations and trial documentation with a strong focus on accuracy and a "right first time" approach.
• Support first production runs, including line set-up, ingredient preparation, troubleshooting and process optimisation.
• Work with Engineering and Production teams to develop solutions to manufacturing challenges while maintaining food safety and product quality standards.
• Recommend formulation or process improvements to resolve production issues and maintain operational efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance and training to production teams on recipe modifications, process changes and product implications.
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders to ensure smooth and successful product launches.
• Promote a strong culture of safety by adhering to OH&S requirements and demonstrating safe work practices.

The PersonSkills To be successful in this role, you will bring a passion for food innovation together with the following skills and experience:

• Qualifications in Food Technology, Food Science, Baking, Pastry, or a related discipline.
• Experience within a food manufacturing environment, ideally in product development, process development or R&D.
• Pastry, baking or savoury product development experience will be highly regarded.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards, HACCP and quality assurance practices.
• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to quickly learn new systems.
• Experience using Hamilton Grant software will be highly regarded.
• Flexibility to work varying hours when required to support trials and production activities.
• Current Australian Driver's Licence.
• Full Australian working rights.

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:

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Genuine work/life balance and flexible working arrangements.
• Career development opportunities within a collaborative and supportive culture.
• The opportunity to work alongside passionate and like-minded professionals.
• Generous employee benefits, including salary packaging options.
• Take-home products for you and your family to enjoy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), supportive parental leave options and a range of social and engagement activities.
• Modern facilities and amenities, with a strong focus on employee wellbeing and safety.

Patties people are hungry, humble and focused. 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.