In Australia, the J.R. Simplot Company's core operations are food manufacturing and agriculture, encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations. We supply a wide range of frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to major retail and foodservice customers in Australia and New Zealand. The Simplot Global Food business includes 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, serving retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, with 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Globally, the J.R. Simplot Company employs 15,000 people, driving innovation and excellence across diverse industries.
Within the Australian market, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focussed on creating meals that maximises value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Aussie life for generations, and include Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.
At Simplot, we are fueled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values:
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Respect for Resources
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Spirit of Innovation
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Passion for People
We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.
Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.
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Flexible working arrangements and a variety of engaging Health and Wellbeing programs
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Diverse Leadership Development Programs and Professional Development Support
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Employee Reward and Recognition Program
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Bonus incentives and discounted Health Insurance
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Sensory Club Program - Enjoy and taste our new product launches and access to our Culinary cooking sessions
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Novated Car Leasing Agreements
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Income Protection Insurance
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Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
Simplot values the creativity and meaningful relationships that grow through face-to-face connection while also recognising the importance of flexibility for our team members. Our hybrid work environment includes four days in the office, with Wednesdays as our dedicated ‘Connect Day' bringing everyone together to strengthen our successful culture of innovation and collaboration.
As a Food Technologist – Technical Solutions within our Strategy and Innovation team, you will play a hands‑on role in improving the value, performance and commercial viability of our food portfolio. This role exists to optimise existing products, translate ideas into technically and operationally robust solutions, and support value creation across both branded and private label ranges.
This is not a traditional product development role. You will work at the intersection of technical, operational and commercial teams, partnering closely with manufacturing sites and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver practical outcomes that matter to the business.
Based at our Chifley Park office in Mentone, this role offers strong exposure and variety beyond traditional R&D.
In this role, you’ll take on a range of responsibilities that include but are not limited to:
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Support product value engineering and cost optimisation initiatives across existing products
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Contribute technical expertise to improving formulations, processing methods and product performance
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Translate concepts into technically feasible and operationally sound solutions through trials and assessments
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Partner with Operations and Manufacturing teams to support process improvements and execution
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Provide technical input into product costing, feasibility and value decisions
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Conduct market and competitor product assessments to inform optimisation opportunities
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Support stage gate processes and provide technical due diligence on projects
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Troubleshoot formulation, processing and technical issues as they arise
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Collaborate closely with Procurement, Packaging, Engineering, Sales and Marketing stakeholders
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Maintain accurate technical documentation and support project records as required
To be successful in this role, you will bring a combination of technical capability, curiosity and a collaborative mindset, including:
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A tertiary qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline
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Minimum 2 years’ experience in a technical food role within FMCG or manufacturing
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Exposure to factory environments, including trials, processing or operational support activities
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A methodical, action‑oriented approach with the ability to manage and prioritise work
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Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with comfort working through ambiguity
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Clear written and verbal communication skills, supporting effective cross‑functional collaboration
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A collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute within a team‑based environment
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A growth mindset, curiosity and openness to learning and continuous improvement
If you’re a Food Technologist ready to apply your experience across product pipelines, technical solutions and stakeholder collaboration, apply now.
Applications close Friday 12th June 2026. Simplot reserves the right to commence recruiting activity prior to the closing date.
Job Requisition ID: 25906
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): GF Chifley Business Park Office - Mentone
Country: Australia
Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. If you feel you would be a great addition to our team please apply online today, we would love to hear from you. If you require technical assistance, please email us at [email protected]
