R&D Operations Administrator

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Date: 31 Mar 2026

Location: Worksop R & D, GB

Company: Premier Foods

Based - St Albans, AL1 2RE (Hybrid 50%)

Permanent, Full Time

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain’s best‑loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK’s top three ambient food suppliers. From much‑loved household names such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors and Sharwoods, to our recently welcomed brands Fuel10k and Merchant Gourmet, our portfolio is packed with iconic favourites — and continues to grow.

 

At Premier Foods, we believe in the power of our people to shape our future. We’re not just building careers – we’re building a community where everyone can thrive. Every role plays a part in helping us deliver great food that people love, and this is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of that journey.

 

We’re now looking for an R&D Operations Administrator to join our Grocery R&D team at our Worksop site, supporting the safe, efficient and compliant operation of our R&D facilities.

 

As R&D Operations Administrator, you’ll play a pivotal role in keeping our R&D facility running smoothly. You’ll provide comprehensive administrative and operational support across facilities, contractor management, purchasing, health & safety, compliance and training coordination.

 

This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same – ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, enjoys working with a wide range of stakeholders and takes pride in keeping things organised, compliant and running efficiently.

 

What you'll be doing?

Facilities, Contractors & Service Contracts

  • Co-ordinate and manage service and maintenance contracts across the R&D facility
  • Plan contractor visits and ensure all inductions, permits to work and certifications are in place
  • Review contractor risk assessments and method statements
  • Build positive, professional relationships with contractors while ensuring safety and quality standards are met

 

Purchasing, Procurement & Financial Administration

  • Order consumables, spare parts and engineering supplies using SAP and IESA
  • Resolve invoice queries and maintain strong supplier relationships
  • Support capital ordering and phased project receipts
  • Track and report R&D facility spend, maintaining accurate budget records

 

Health, Safety & Compliance

  • Support health, safety, food safety and regulatory compliance across the facility
  • Carry out and maintain facility and pilot plant risk assessments
  • Support audits, pest control programmes and corrective actions

 

Training & Capability

  • Deliver specialist safety training (including Fire Marshal and DSEAR awareness)
  • Co-ordinate R&D training programmes and maintain training records
  • Support departmental inductions, SOPs and One Point Lessons

 

General R&D Support

  • Provide administrative support across the R&D community
  • Produce reports, documentation and operational updates
  • Act as a key support contact for systems, processes and continuous improvement initiatives

 

What we need from you?

  • 5 GCSEs including English and Maths
  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Confidence working independently while collaborating with diverse teams
  • Good IT skills, particularly spreadsheets and numerical data
  • Clear, professional written and verbal communication
  • Ideally A Levels or qualifications in Engineering Administration or Health & Safety (e.g. IOSH)
  • Experience using SAP or similar ordering systems
  • Understanding of health & safety legislation, facilities management or food processing environments
  • Basic food hygiene qualification (or willingness to obtain)

 

You’ll be someone who is organised, adaptable and tenacious, with a proactive mindset and a genuine commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.

 

What we offer you in return?

  • Competitive salary and bonus
  • Up to 7.5% pension
  • Life assurance
  • Hybrid working
  • Sharesave scheme and the option to purchase additional holiday
  • Extensive learning and development opportunities
  • Access to a wide employee discount scheme

 

Ready to apply?

Click Apply and submit your CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need. 

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