Process Development Manager

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

Job summary

A leading food company in Cleckheaton is seeking a proactive Process Development Lead to drive innovation and process improvements across their manufacturing site. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in FMCG, team management experience, and a degree in Food Science or a related discipline. This role offers a salary ranging from £40,000 to £50,000 based on experience, along with attractive employment benefits.

Benefits

Matched pension scheme up to 10%

Death in service

Cycle to work scheme

Canteen

Retailer discount platform

Qualifications

• Min 5 years’ experience in FMCG or similar environment, with at least 3 years of managing teams.
• Passionate about helping people to be the best they can, with experience in coaching and developing people.
• Diligent and focused on attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver NPD/EPD projects on time.
• Coordinate and implement product trials, ensuring clear procedures.
• Build strong customer relationships and lead project activity from concept to launch.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Presentation

Relationship building

Problem solving

Organization

Education

Degree in Food Science or related discipline

HACCP Level 3 qualification

Tools

Project management skills

Job description

Job Description

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.

Key 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

Qualifications and knowledge

• 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 platformStaff discount