Pilot Plant Technologist

Job description

Job Title: Pilot Plant Technologist
Salary: £20,300- £25,400 depending on experience
Location: Colworth Science Park, UK


Business Context and Main Purpose of Job

This role is part of an established team of experts that provide process engineering, automation solutions, and pilot scale manufacturing to support new product innovations, plus improvements to value, waste, sustainability and quality.

This role is for a pilot plant technologist, a key role at the heart of the ice cream development facility, responsible for the set-up and operation of the pilot plant and the manufacture of prototype products. You will be part of a team of pilot plant technologists working closely with project teams, process engineers, product developers, maintenance, factories and supply-chain teams, plus external partners/suppliers (e.g. 3PM, Material, Ingredient suppliers, machinery suppliers, process technology and control system suppliers). You will keep up to date with emerging food trends to deliver processes for sustainable new products that delight consumers.

Ice cream manufacturing is an exciting area for the process engineering team. There are complex and varied engineering challenges due to the wide array of product formats and processes involved, such as: mixing; forming; filling; shaping; freezing.

Main Accountabilities


Support the Pilot Plant Manager and Supervisor as well as Technical Project Leaders with all pilot plant related activities for multiple projects including innovation, renovation, value, quality, and USLP improvement.

Act as the pilot plant trial operator/leader to ensure safe and On Time in Full (OTIF) delivery of the pilot plant trials. This requires effective and safe planning, design and execution of the trial including: preparation of ingredients and packaging, data acquisition and control preparation, safety checks, operating procedure checks, plus operation of the equipment, troubleshooting, quality checks, product transfers, clean-down and CIP (Clean in Place) operation, safe disposal of waste

Support trial leader / lead in construction and dismantling of ice cream processing equipment

After suitable training, carry or support out maintenance task on processing equipment

Plan, prepare and produce ice cream mixes to the specifications given by Technical project leaders

Work closely with Process Developers, Technical Project Leaders and supply chain to support the correct design and execution of the trial

Support safe working practices in the pilot plant by: assisting or leading machine and task risk assessment, reviewing and upgrading risk assessments and operating practices, and offering advice and guidance to pilot plant users

Play an active role in implementing 5S programme and maintaining the condition of the pilot plant to a standard consistent with the vision of a “World Class” facility

This position is a physical job which requires a fair amount of manual handling

Key Interfaces

Processing teams across Discover, Design and Deploy

Workshop engineers and external engineering partners

Category Science &Technology, Design and Deploy TPLs

Supply chain, factory, and quality teams

External Supply Partners

Critical Success Factors for the Job

Good interpersonal skills – team player

Passion for food, ingredients and technology

Risk management

Well organised

Fluent English

Education at A levels or higher or equivalent apprenticeship

Experience in the food industry preferable

Working knowledge of food hygiene practices and regulations

Basic awareness of Microsoft office suite


Travel Requirements
Occasional short UK and European trips may be required

NOTE:
Please apply online and add your PDP & Talent Profile if possible. Your application will be reviewed against our requirements and we will be in touch to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

By applying for this vacancy, you are confirming that you have made your Line Manager aware of your application and that you are at a point in your career with Unilever where it is appropriate for you to be applying for other positions.
Should you require additional information, please contact

Please note that the closing date for the receipt of applications is 8th February 2019.