Head of Product Development - Savoury Biscuit

pladis Foods Limited; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

pladis Foods Limited is seeking a Head of Product Development for Savoury Biscuits in High Wycombe. This role involves leading R&D initiatives and managing key product innovations while ensuring business continuity. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Food Science, significant experience in food manufacturing, and strong leadership skills.

Responsibilities include overseeing a team, driving the innovation pipeline and managing the New Product Development process. The company values purpose-led, agile, and resilient individuals to drive success.

Qualifications

• Expansive experience in baked products and snacks manufacturing.
• Proven track record with multiple product launches.
• Previous senior leadership role in a food manufacturing business preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 5-8 R&D professionals for product development.
• Define and deliver product development strategy.
• Oversee New Product Development process and timelines.

Skills

Project leadership

Interpersonal skills

Team building and motivation

Lean or Six Sigma techniques

Education

Degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Job Overview

The Head of Product Development – Savoury Biscuits will shape and deliver pladis’ savoury biscuits growth agenda, leading technical activities across innovation, productivity, and business continuity. The role involves leading a R&D team, managing the test bakery facility, site engagement, and health & safety responsibilities, and is crucial for the growth of savoury categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 5‑8 R&D professionals, building future pipeline and technical capability for the UK&I business.
• Define product development strategy and deliver the three‑year growth plan in partnership with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Act as the technical expert for product development, guide major innovation projects, and support complex site and supply‑chain challenges.
• Oversee the end‑to‑end New Product Development process, authorise key stages, and monitor progress for growth, productivity, and improvement projects.
• Build and maintain strong cross‑functional and supplier partnerships to deliver innovation and ensure robust product characteristics.
• Drive the business continuity programme, support CIM projects, and provide technical expertise for line transfer projects.
• Ensure quality standards for new launches, manage EDQ issues, and maintain post‑launch specifications.
• Lead functional capability building, upskill the team, and act as an ambassador for R&D within the business.
• Manage leadership responsibilities at the R&D centre (High Wycombe) and contribute to the site leadership team.

Key Deliverables

• Develop a robust innovation growth funnel based on consumer, customer, and competitor knowledge.
• Support and authorise project charters, deliver cost‑saving programmes, and recommend product changes for profitability.
• Maintain a fully resourced and executed business continuity programme.
• Provide technical support for line transfer projects and resolve CIM-related issues.
• Launch new products with clearly defined specifications and quality standards, and oversee post‑launch reviews.
• Build a high‑performance team and create a succession plan for key roles.

Qualifications

• Crucial: Degree or equivalent in Food Science, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Expansive experience in a food manufacturing environment, particularly baked products and snacks; experience in chocolate and secondary processes is advantageous.
• Proven track record of project leadership with multiple product launches, including installation of new technology or processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, experience in team building and motivation.
• Understanding of lean or Six Sigma techniques.
• Preferred: Previous senior leadership role in a food manufacturing business; accreditation in Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma.

Desired Traits & Behaviours

• Purpose‑Led – Energised by delivering happiness.
• Agile – Continuously evolving and ever‑learning.
• Collaborative – Willing to work with others for mutual success.
• Resilient – Adapts quickly to change and persists in the face of setbacks.
• Positive – Self‑motivated, optimistic, courageous, and inspiring.

EEO and Diversity Statement

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 are dedicated to ensuring individuals with disabilities have reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other employment benefits.