Francesca Hattersley, Raw Materials Technologist

Next in our careers series we talk to Francesca Hattersley, who has settled right in over the couple of years she’s been with us so far, demonstrating that career changes needn’t be daunting when you move to the kind of company that will give you all the training you need.

How long have you been part of the Bowman Ingredients team?

I came from a Footwear technical background and wanted a career change from fashion to food! I started at Bowmans in June 2021 in the Technical Team and moved into my current NPD role in July 2022 where I now work as Raw Materials Technologist. 

What does a typical day in your role look like?

No day is the same in New Product Development, it can vary from planning raw material work at my computer to working on practical testing in the development kitchen. A typical day can sometimes consist of coating and tasting many product varieties in a day!

What do you love most about your role?

There is something new to learn every day. Each day is different and brings a new challenge. 

What Bowman Ingredients moment will you always remember?

I really enjoy working on a product and then seeing the product launch in-store. Seeing the first product that I’d worked on appear in store for the first time was so exciting and it was fun to buy and try it.

I will also always remember my first tasting evaluation too – I have never seen so many coated chicken options in one room!