Working in Food Technology

The career opportunities described below are designed to give you a feel for real life employment in the field of Food Technology.

Production Managers/Supervisors:
are responsible for every aspect of production of the finished food product. This ranges from the sourcing and correct storage of raw materials to actual processing and packaging of the product ready for distribution. The job involves understanding and implementing a variety of food processing techniques and being able to work efficiently and hygienically. To enter the industry at supervisory level, potential employees requires a National Diploma, whilst production managers normally hold a Higher National Diploma or Degree.

Quality Assurance Managers/Supervisors/technicians:
are responsible for ensuring the quality of food throughout the whole production process. This includes the quality of raw materials, equipment, finished goods, packaging, processing and storage procedures. They would also monitor organoleptic properties such as flavour, aroma and appearance. Quality Assurance managers need to understand processing procedures, be able to pre-empt possible problems, liase with people, have a keen awareness of detail and implement hygiene standards to a high level. A National Diploma in Food Technology provides the foundation for Quality Assurance supervisors whilst Higher National Diploma and Degree graduates are educated and trained to meet the rigors of management roles.

Laboratory Supervisors/Technicians:
often hold very responsible positions, assuring the quality of food leaving the manufacturer. They carry out or supervise quality tests, such as microbiological and chemical analyses, before any product is released. A Laboratory Supervisor requires at least a National Diploma level qualification.

Food Packaging Managers/Technologists:
are responsible for developing new food packaging systems and filling equipment. Liasing with manufacturing companies to identify the critical properties of a food product and suggesting appropriate packaging and filling techniques is an important part of the job. The Food Packaging technologist requires an National or Higher National Diploma. The Food Packaging Manager requires a Higher National Diploma or Degree.

Research Scientists:
are responsible for continuing research and development programmes which help the industry remain competitive. Research scientists are employed in a wide variety of projects with Government, Food Research Institutes and food companies. There are a wide variety of research topics applicable to the food industry. Research scientists must have a sound knowledge and understanding of their specialist area. A Degree, and usually a postgraduate qualification, would be required.

Product Development Managers/Technologists:
are responsible for developing products, continual improvement of exciting foods and ongoing consumer assessment of product portfolios. They are involved in implementing effective product development plans and developing extensive knowledge of consumer trends through marketing research. They must understand how raw materials react when processed and be able to develop formulations and processes to produce innovative food products. The Product Development technologist requires at least a National Diploma in Food Technology. A Product Development manager requires at least a Higher National Diploma or Degree.

Lecturers/Advisers;
work in a range of posts in Government and in Universities, including college lecturer, advisory and inspection jobs. All posts require a good technical knowledge of food processing coupled with particular skills in the specialist areas. These posts require Higher national Diploma or Degree level qualifications.

Contributed by: Loughry College