Pilot Plant Digital Process Engineer

• Act as the process development leader to ensure On Time in Full (OTIF) delivery of projects including process design, laboratory and pilot plant prototypes and scale up trials
• Lead the scoping, implementation and running of ‘non-standard’ or novel pilot plant operations for new innovations, involving cross-functional interaction with R&D, Technical Project Leads, Supply Chain, Microbiology, Site Safety etc., creating new processes and protocols to support novel workstreams
• Lead digital enablement of pilot plant trials, including digitising workflows and automating data capture, ensuring data quality and adoption by users
• Lead the process safety implementation for all Pilot Plant equipment, ensuring compliance with HSE and Unilever standards
• Plan and coordinate equipment inspections, servicing, and remedial work with internal teams and external service providers to enable effective execution of pilot plant activities
• Propose, prioritise, and implement continuous improvement opportunities for pilot plant processes and operations using data-led problem solving (e.g. root cause analysis), standardisation, and practical trials
• Own the implementation of agreed improvements: develop requirements, coordinate stakeholders, validate in the pilot plant, update SOPs/training, and track benefits (safety, quality, cost, speed, reliability)
• Deputise as Group Safety Advisor to the Pepsi Lipton team at Colworth, attending regular meetings with the Site Safety Team and rolling out site wide initiatives as required
• Support the Pilot Plant Manager in identifying and implementing future-fit processing capabilities required to deliver the JV’s innovation and growth strategy
• Support Pilot Plant Food Safety agenda, including HACCP creation and implementation

• Degree in Engineering, Food Technology, or equivalent apprenticeship and experience
• Experience supporting pilot plants, process development, or manufacturing environments
• Comfortable working with data and digital tools to improve operations (e.g. electronic batch records, dashboards, data visualisation in Excel/Power BI or similar)
• Experience coordinating change implementation in a live operational environment: stakeholder alignment, risk assessment, documentation/SOP updates, training, and change adoption
• Ability to manage multiple programs of work at any given time, with a keen eye for detail and rigor
• Strong communication skills
• A strong team player who can also work independently as required
• Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills across internal and external interfaces
• Working knowledge of equipment servicing, operational planning, and health & safety requirements
• Experience with HACCP and Foods safety appreciated
• Ability to operate effectively in a regulated environment with multiple priorities

Experience with HACCP and Foods safety appreciated

• competitive salary and pension scheme
• annual bonus
• subsidised gym membership
• discounted staff shop
• shares
• flexible and hybrid working environment
• family-friendly and inclusive workplace