Senior CTI Technologist

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact

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Our Hector Laing Development Centre site is the beating heart of innovation at pladis,  a dynamic hub where creativity, science, and consumer insight come together to shape the future of snacking. Home to our Innovation, R&D, Regulatory, and Technical Insights teams, this site supports both pladis Global and UK&I, driving progress across our sweet and savoury portfolios. With a state-of-the-art pilot plant and a culture of collaboration, High Wycombe is our centre of excellence for research and development. From the first spark of an idea to the final product on shelf, our teams work side by side to deliver exciting, high-quality snacks that delight consumers everywhere. It’s a place where every voice matters, and every innovation is powered by the passion and expertise of our people. 

What will this role achieve?

Reporting into the Head of Consumer Technical Insights, in partnership with Innovation, Brand, CMI and R&D teams, the role holder will provide sensory and consumer insights to guide product development and support the business strategy. The role will be responsible for:

• Deliver sensory & consumer science learning plans in support of innovation, renovation and stewardship projects, which represent significant financial opportunities for pladis
• Raise the sensory & consumer science profile internally and externally
• Secure alignment to consumer success criteria and research principles/design
• Support pro-actively cross-functional collaboration to maximise output

What will be your key deliverables?

• Provide sensory and consumer science research solutions according to recognised international standards to provide insights to guide product development and brand strategies for innovation, regeneration and productivity activities
• Work closely cross-functionally and manage research projects from end to end, designing, analysing and reporting results to key stakeholders
• Prepare results and presentations according to audiences, managing clear and actionable insights to guide business decisions
• Collaborate with Consumer Marketing Insights to ensure that all learning plans are joined up
• Provide consumer and competitive insights and understanding/models at category level
• Help define product specifications and shelf life, linking consumer data & sensory data to analytical data
• Stay abreast of new methodologies and test and learn as and when appropriate

Bring your experience.

Essential

• Excellent understanding of Sensory and Consumer Science techniques and how to analyse and interpret findings to business strategic needs
• Strong knowledge in Sensory and Consumer Science methodologies: quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques
• Strong analytical and statistical skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proficiency in sensory software (ideally RedJade)
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (i.e. xlSTAT, R or other)
• Strong ability in interpretation/translation of insights into a technical product/brand development path
• Multi-discipline/multi-function team working skills and experience
• Able to work in an agile, fast paced working environment

What will the interview process be?

• Initial Telephone call with Talent Acquisition  
• 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• 2nd stage interview – 60 minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.

pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process. Some processes may differ, but we will keep you updated!

What does pladis offer you?

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan
• Private medical Insurance
• Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return-to-work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme 
• 25 days + bank holidays 
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme
• 1 Volunteering Day per year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to great training and development opportunities

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Our Values

Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite

Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.

Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better

Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward

Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together

Best mix of ingredients

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

Accessibility at High Wycombe: Our High Wycombe site has accessible entrances and lifts between floors to support individuals with mobility needs, but currently does not have step-free access.  We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, and where possible to perform key job functions.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.
We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.