Baked Product Development Manager

KP Snacks; Darlington; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Baked Product Development Manager to develop and commercialise new baked snacks. This role involves designing experimental plans, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and influencing R&D strategy. Ideal candidates should have FMCG experience in baked goods, strong technical skills, and a relevant STEM degree. Benefits include annual bonuses and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Annual bonuses

Car allowance

Healthcare

Pension contributions

Holiday schemes

Wellbeing resources

Qualifications

• Several years experience in developing baked goods with a strong understanding of ingredients, processes, and functionality.
• A degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or another STEM discipline; relevant certifications or project management training are a plus.
• Confident designing and running experiments, analysing data, and writing reports to support R&D decision-making.
• Proven track record of managing and delivering a portfolio of projects and programs within a fast-paced environment.
• Natural affinity to lead, engage, and coach others, sharing best practice.

Responsibilities

• Develop and commercialise new baked snacks across UK brands.
• Design and lead robust experimental plans from bench to scale.
• Collaborate across KP and the wider Intersnack network.
• Ensure projects are technically sound and commercially viable.
• Influence the overall UK R&D agenda as a member of the UK R&D Leadership team.

Skills

FMCG Baked expertise

Strong technical skills

Project delivery in FMCG

Leadership/collaborative mindset

Education

STEM qualification

Job description

You'll be responsible for developing and commercialising new baked snacks across our UK brands. This will include recipe formulation, benchtop development, scale-up planning, and overseeing trials at factory level, ensuring every product meets our quality, safety, and brand standards.

• Deliver projects with technical excellence and agility
• Design and lead robust experimental plans, from bench to scale with a strong focus on data-led decision-making, and help embed R&D best practices via enhanced tools and processes. Ensure product designs are factory-ready and transitioned smoothly into production using our P2M and MoPD stage gate processes.
• Collaborate across KP and the wider Intersnack network
• Partner closely with colleagues in manufacturing, marketing, procurement, and our Intersnack flavour team to ensure projects are technically sound and commercially viable. Contribute to the Baked Community of Practice, sharing insights and championing technical innovation.
• Develop yourself and others
• As a member of the UK R&D Leadership team, influence the overall UK R&D agenda and nurture R&D talent across the organisation.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with solid R&D experience within a reputable FMCG organisation, passionate about baked categories, and eager to develop and influence our wider R&D capability.

• FMCG Baked expertise: Several years experience in developing baked goods (e.g., crackers, biscuits) with a strong understanding of ingredients, processes, and functionality.
• STEM qualification: A degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or another STEM discipline; relevant certifications or project management training are a plus.
• Strong technical skills: Confident designing and running experiments, analysing data, and writing reports to support R&D decision-making.
• Project delivery in FMCG: Proven track record of managing and delivering a portfolio of projects and programs within a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership/collaborative mindset: Natural affinity to lead, engage, and coach others, sharing best practice, and contributing to a positive, continuous improvement culture.

Join our snack-loving team! We're looking for a Baked Product Development Manager to join KP Snacks. If you're passionate about baked goods and want to be part of a growing, innovative team, keep reading.

This role reflects our increased focus on baked snacks as part of KP Snacks' growth ambitions. You'll bring expertise in baked goods and lead product development from concept to commercialisation. You will also be a key member of our UK R&D leadership team, enhancing our R&D tools and processes, and driving technical excellence with agility. Reporting to the Head of R&D, you'll partner with cross-functional teams across KP and Intersnack, including marketing, supply chain, procurement, and academia, as part of our One R&D community.

About KP Snacks: Over 15,000 employees across 30+ countries, creating snacks like Hula Hoops and McCoy's. In the UK, about 2,400 of us work across factories and HQ in Slough. We value diversity, encourage ideas, and support your growth. We also offer benefits such as annual bonuses, a car allowance, healthcare, pension contributions, holiday schemes, and wellbeing resources.