Home Economist

Department of Consumer and Sensory Science

The Department is responsible for work on many aspects of food quality and is involved in measuring the characteristics of food, such as appearance, odour, taste and texture. Food companies are interested to understand how these 'sensory' characteristics are changed under different manufacturing or storage conditions.

Sensory analysis uses people as the measuring 'instrument'. Teams of fully trained food and drink tasters are used for the assessment of a wide range of fresh, processed and prepared food and drink products on behalf of client companies. Consumer research is also carried out to investigate consumer opinions and preferences.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To support existing business from major clients and accommodate growing volume of business from new clients
• To undertake technical duties in respect of contractual services particularly relating to product evaluations, competitor benchmarking and market place surveys
• To prepare client reports, detailing the evaluation of samples with specific attention to suggested improvements, comparison data and market positioning
• To contribute to data collection, participation and co-ordination of sampling sessions
• To conduct desk research through trade consumer magazines, maintaining sound market place knowledge
• To assist in the organisation of seminars and conferences including the preparation and delivery of presentations at both internal and external events for food industry clients.

Qualifications and Experience

• HND/Degree in Home Economics/Consumer Science or other relevant food qualifications
• GCSE Maths, English and Science
• Clean driving licence
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate desirable

Key Skills

• Good organisational skills, ability to prioritise workload and achieve tight deadlines
• Good word processing skills, database and spreadsheet competency
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and on an individual basis
• Good technical skills and understanding of food and food preparation
• Ability to liase with clients on a professional level
• Must have a passion for food!

Grade: TO

Salary: Guide £13,725 - £19,435 per annum

Holidays: 24 days rising on length of service, plus public holidays

For an application form and job description, please contact Human Resources Department, Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association Group, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6LD telephone +44 (0)1386 842091.

CCFRA is an ‘Investor in People’.
As an Investor in People, CCFRA is committed to training and developing all our staff to attain their maximum potential.

Benefits

• Subsidised Day Nursery Facilities
• Pension Scheme
• Permanent Health Scheme
• Death in Service Benefit
• Subsidised Private Medical Care
• Subsidised Restaurant