Bakery Process R&D Manager — Lead Innovation & Launch

Rowse Honey Ltd.; Heanor; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Death in service

Cycle to work scheme

Canteen

And plenty more!

Job summary

Valeo Foods UK is seeking an experienced R&D Manager (Process) based at the Matthew Walker Factory to lead end-to-end development of bakery products, raw materials and processes, ensuring right-first-time delivery to critical paths.

You will strengthen strategic customer partnerships, drive innovation and ensure scientific excellence across pilot plant and factory environments, line-managing Technologists and Technicians while delivering continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing, ideally NPD or R&D.
• Understanding of food process technologies.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate across all organisational levels.
• Commercial awareness with data and numbers.
• Agility, resilience and openness to change.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from concept through post-launch, ensuring on-time delivery.
• Act as primary technical contact for customer developers and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver trial reviews, manage pre-productions and attend launch visits.
• Build subject-matter expertise in bakery technology and trends.
• Engage suppliers to identify product, ingredient and technology opportunities.
• Maintain accurate, auditable project documentation and trackers.
• Provide clear, consistent project updates to all stakeholders.
• Deputise when required.
• Line-manage, coach and develop Technologists/Technicians.
• Drive continuous improvement of procedures and documentation.

Skills

Food innovation

Communication skills

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Data literacy

Adaptability

NPD/R&D experience

Process technology

Cross-functional engagement

MS Office

Driving license

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Valeo Foods UK is seeking an experienced R&D Manager (Process) based at the Matthew Walker Factory to lead end-to-end development of bakery products, raw materials and processes, ensuring right-first-time delivery to critical paths.

You will strengthen strategic customer partnerships, drive innovation and ensure scientific excellence across pilot plant and factory environments, line-managing Technologists and Technicians while delivering continuous improvement.