My food & drink job: Grace Bukebo, NPD technician, Gosh

Name: Grace Bukebo

Age: 23

Job title: NPD technician

Company & location: Gosh Food, Milton Keynes

Education: Food and Nutrition Sciences at Birmingham City University 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up: A paediatrician.

Why did you decide to go for a career in food & drink? I’ve always considered myself a bit of a homemade scientist. I have a deep passion for exploring new ideas and concepts, especially when it comes to food. I love testing theories like ‘you are what you eat’ and examining how food impacts not only my own quality of life but also the lives of others.

This curiosity led me to dive deeper into the science behind it all, ultimately inspiring me to switch my career path from adult nursing to food and nutrition science. It felt like a natural progression, as I wanted to pursue something that truly aligns with my fascination and desire to make a meaningful impact through the study of food and its effects on health.

“Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and learn the basics at the start”

Explain your job to us in a sentence (or two): As an NPD technician at Gosh, I’m a culinary scientist who transforms creative food ideas into delicious, nutritious meals. I collaborate with chefs and designers to ensure every dish meets Gosh’s high standards of quality and nutrition.

What does a typical day look like for you? No two days are ever the same. One day, I’m experimenting with new recipes, the next I’m refining ingredients in the factory or perfecting cooking techniques. Throughout it all, I keep a keen eye on production processes to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. It’s an exciting environment where I’m constantly exploring new culinary possibilities, shaping the future of food, and ensuring every bite exceeds expectations.

Tell us how you went about applying for your job: My application journey was quite unique. After being unemployed for three months, I was scrolling through LinkedIn one day and saw a company looking for support. I immediately called the recruiter, shared my passion for food, and she connected me with Gosh, securing me an interview the very next day.

What began as a four-week support contract was extended twice, and eventually I was offered a permanent position.

What’s the best part about working for a food & drink company? Having the opportunity to make a positive impact on society through food, directly improving people’s everyday lives, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to contribute to something meaningful, and, of course, the bonus of tasting new samples makes it even more enjoyable!

And what’s the biggest misconception people have about working in food & drink? A common misconception is that the food industry is all about eating and having fun, but people often overlook the long hours spent on trials and the attention to detail required. Tasks like ensuring the packaging is perfect and verifying nutritional content are crucial, and a lot of problem-solving is involved to ensure everything runs smoothly in the industry.

Read more:

• Gosh loses more sales due to plant-based exodus

• Why the future of plant-based food is ‘reassuringly natural’

What advice would you give to other young people looking to get into the food & drink industry? My advice would be to stay curious and trust the process at every stage of your journey. It’s just like learning to walk, you start with small steps, and along the way, there will always be people who can guide you to the next level.

The food industry is vast, and the opportunities are endless if you want to bring about change. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and learn the basics at the start. While the industry can be demanding, if you’re truly passionate about it, your enthusiasm will carry you through the challenges and fuel your success.

What’s your ultimate career dream? My ultimate career dream is to become a food and drink executive, a role where I can shape the direction of an entire organisation and have a significant impact on the industry. I aspire to be at the forefront of innovation, leading teams that create groundbreaking products and experiences that resonate with consumers.

Interested in finding out more about food & drink careers? Check out GrocerJobs for the latest vacancies