Senior Product Development Manager

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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Site introduction:

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?

We have an opportunity for a Senior Product Development Manager - Savoury to join our R&D Team in High Wycombe. This vacancy has opened due to an internal promotion. The successful candidate will join our savoury team which will include projects on Jacob’s (inc. Mini Cheddars) and Carr’s with a focus in seasonings. The role is both proactive, taking opportunities to develop concepts to fit with brand strategies and reactive to technical briefs from the marketing teams. This person will lead a team of Product Development Technologists.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Lead end-to-end technical product development, owning all technical aspects from concept to launch, including recipe development, capex-enabled manufacturing changes, trials, and final factory handover.
• Translate commercial briefs into robust technical solutions, providing input to Acorn and Stage & Gate, identifying risks and contingencies, and converting requirements into clear Product Development Programmes.
• Plan, manage and control resources, budgets and documentation, proposing and coordinating technical resources, tracking phased spend, and ensuring timely completion of all technical, quality and safety deliverables.
• Deliver trials and specifications to a high standard, overseeing bench samples, pilot plant and factory trials, completing technical gates, specs, HARA and quality attributes, and presenting samples to stakeholders.
• Build capability and drive continuous improvement, acting as technical owner and mentor across products and brands, developing and empowering team members, contributing to innovation strategy, and ensuring safe, hygienic and lean ways of working.

Bring your experience!

Essential

• Demonstrated experience within the savoury category, including recent hands-on experience with seasonings.
• Strong background in product development, evidenced by successful delivery of a varied project portfolio, including work involving complex technical challenges and/or the introduction of new equipment.
• Experience leading cross‑functional project teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Solid project management capability, with a clear understanding of team roles, responsibilities and effective ways of working.
• A proven track record of successfully launching products to market.
• A creative and structured approach to problem solving.
• Well‑developed food presentation skills.
• A strong understanding of relevant food legislation and regulatory requirements.

Desirable

• Degree‑level qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in people management, mentoring, coaching, training and developing team members.
• Understanding of Lean principles and/or Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Process knowledge beyond ambient cakes, biscuits or snacks.
• Awareness of pladis’ global brands, business landscape, key competitors and markets.

What will the interview process be?

• 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 Car allowance, paid monthly, with optional Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• 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
• Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial Wellbeing Support
• Access to great training and development opportunities

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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.