Group Leader for Research & Development

Mondelēz International; Lowertown; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food company is seeking a Group Leader R&D in Lowertown, England. This role involves leading a diverse team and overseeing product development within a regulated environment. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a scientific field, strong leadership skills, and project management experience. This position offers the opportunity to influence R&D projects and drive innovation in healthcare products.

Qualifications

• Strong project and change management experience.
• Proven leadership with the ability to engage employees at all levels.
• Passion for driving innovation in a highly regulated, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a diverse R&D team.
• Manage project priorities aligned with business goals.
• Ensure compliance with medicines regulatory standards.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Commercial acumen

Education

Degree in a scientific or engineering field

Job description

Overview

Ernest Jackson & Co Ltd exists to make healthcare easier by developing, manufacturing, and marketing products that improve everyday lives. As part of the Mondelēz family, we combine trusted heritage with innovation – turning ideas into real-world solutions that consumers can rely on. The Group Leader R&D is a key leadership role at Ernest Jackson – at the heart of our innovation journey.

You’ll have overall responsibility for Product & Process Development as well as working with regulatory partners to ensure we stay ahead of the foods and medicines regulatory landscape. This role requires inspiring leadership, scientific expertise, and commercial acumen to motivate a multi-disciplinary development team (7 direct reports) and deliver against a c. £1.5m budget. Your decisions will shape the future of Ernest Jackson and drive products with a sustainable competitive edge.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead, coach and inspire a diverse R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Use project management discipline to keep priorities clear and aligned with business goals.
• Balance growth projects with sustaining compliance and efficiency across the existing portfolio.
• Bring “outside-in” thinking – challenging the status quo and leveraging external insights to strengthen our competitive advantage.
• Act as gatekeeper in our project process – ensuring standards are met, resources are well allocated, and stakeholders are aligned.
• Ensure all products comply with Mondelēz MEU and pharmaceutical GMP standards.
• Demonstrate strong financial control: own R&D budgets, track KPIs, and ensure resources are deployed in the most cost-effective way.
• Communicate progress clearly through roadmaps and KPIs to keep senior stakeholders engaged and informed.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree or equivalent in a scientific or engineering field.
• Strong project and change management experience.
• Proven leadership with the ability to engage employees at all levels.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Influential communicator able to simplify complex technical challenges for senior stakeholders.
• Commercial acumen with a track record of balancing scientific rigour with business growth.
• Line management and coaching experience.
• Passion for driving innovation in a highly regulated, fast-paced environment.

Why join us?

This is more than just a job – it’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to revolutionize how healthcare products are delivered.

You’ll:

• Have full leadership accountability across R&D projects, budgets, and people.
• Work in an innovation-driven environment where your ideas and decisions directly shape the future.
• Gain visibility across the Mondelēz global network with opportunities to influence beyond Ernest Jackson.
• Be part of a culture that values sustainability, innovation, and integrity.

Relocation Support Available? No Relocation support available

Business Unit Summary We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply! Our people make all the difference in our succes

Mondelēz International is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

IF YOU REQUIRE SUPPORT TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION OR DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS, PLEASE CONTACT THE RECRUITER