Process Development Manager

Valeo Foods UK; Cleckheaton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matched pension scheme up to 10%

Death in service

Cycle to work scheme

Canteen

Retailer discount platform

Staff discount

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Cleckheaton is seeking a proactive Process Development Lead to drive NPD/EPD delivery and innovation across the manufacturing site. The role involves leading teams, managing product trials, and ensuring successful project execution. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Food Science and at least 5 years of relevant experience in FMCG, alongside HACCP Level 3 qualification. The position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in FMCG or similar environment.
• At least 3 years of managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time.
• Champion process control, innovation, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Coordinate and implement product trials.
• Manage trial documentation and factory integration.
• Build strong customer relationships and lead project activity.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Team management

Education

Degree in Food Science or related discipline

HACCP Level 3 qualification

Job description

Overview

Valeo Foods UK is seeking a proactive and experienced Process Development Lead to drive NPD/EPD delivery, process improvements, and innovation across our manufacturing site.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Innovation
  
  
  
  • Lead cross-functional teams to deliver private label and branded NPD/EPD projects on time.
  
  
  • Champion process control (including SPC), innovation, and cost-saving initiatives.
  
  
  • Drive new technologies and continuous improvement across site operations.
  
  
  
  


• Process Development & Trials
  
  
  
  • Coordinate and implement all product trials, ensuring clear procedures and successful launches.
  
  
  • Manage trial documentation (shelf life, micro, taste panels, reports, batching, BOMs, recipe handover).
  
  
  • Ensure smooth factory integration of new recipes and materials, with effective handover to operations.
  
  
  • Liaise with suppliers/procurement for trial ingredients and sample provision.
  
  
  • Provide accurate technical data for internal specifications and support troubleshooting on site.
  
  
  
  


• Project & Customer Management
  
  
  
  • Lead project activity from concept to launch, ensuring timelines and critical paths are met.
  
  
  • Build strong customer relationships, leading pre-production meetings and launch coordination.
  
  
  • Communicate effectively across departments and run regular stakeholder updates.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Food Science or related discipline or previous experience.


• Min 5 years’ experience in FMCG or similar environment, and with at least 3 years of managing teams


• HACCP Level 3 qualification


• Project management skills

Qualities And Experience

• A strong leader/influencer of people


• Excellent communication and presentation skills


• Great at building relationships internally and externally


• Knowledge of effective structures and team dynamics and training and development needs


• Up to date knowledge of technical advances and the changing consumer landscape.


• Passionate about helping people to be the best they can and experience in coaching and developing people


• Diligent and attention to detail focused


• Problem solving skills


• A drive to succeed


• Organized and able to both multi-task and prioritize effectively

Additional Information

Salary is £40,000- £50,000 dependent on experience.

What we offer you in return

• Matched pension scheme up to 10%


• Death in service


• Cycle to work scheme


• Canteen


• Retailer discount platform


• Staff discount

Location

Cleckheaton, England, United Kingdom