Product Development Manager (McVitie's)

Pladis Global; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global snack company in the UK is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead innovation and manage technical aspects of product design. You will drive product development for iconic brands, ensure compliance with safety and hygiene standards, and collaborate with marketing and manufacturing teams. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Food Science/Technology and proven experience in snacks or confectionery. This role offers a range of benefits including an annual incentive plan and generous holidays.

Benefits

Annual Incentive Plan

Health Cash Plan

Private medical Insurance

Life Assurance Cover

25 days + bank holidays

Volunteering Day

Cycle to work scheme

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in one category (snacks, cake, biscuits, confectionery) in a technical or commercial role.
• Some experience in product development managing a portfolio of projects.
• Knowledge of Food Safety (HACCP).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end innovation for iconic brands from concept to launch.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to overcome technical challenges.
• Plan and execute bench samples, pilot plant trials, and factory trials.

Skills

Experience in snacks or confectionery

Effective communication

Technical project management

Time leadership skills

Basic product budgeting

Education

Degree in Food Science / Technology

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity in our R&D function for a Product Development Manager to work across Elevated Indulgence, which includes McVitie's Chocolate Digestives, Hobnobs, Club and more! The Product Development Manager role is both proactive, taking opportunities to develop concepts to fit with brand strategies and reactive to technical briefs from the marketing teams. You will manage and be accountable for all technical aspects of product design and deliver developments to market, meeting the quality, cost and timings encouraged. As a Product Development Manager, you are responsible for technical project management, recipe development and factory implementation planning. You will work closely with Marketing to interpret product briefs, apply your technical understanding and then work closely with Manufacturing to see the product through to launch. What will be your key deliverables?

• Lead end-to-end innovation for iconic brands including McVitie's and Hobnobs, from concept to launch
• Collaborate cross-functionally to overcome technical challenges and deliver tailored solutions
• Manage resources across design and technical teams, ensuring timely project execution and documentation
• Plan and execute bench samples, pilot plant trials, and factory trials, presenting results to marketing
• Ensure compliance with safety, hygiene, GMP standards, and pladis product development policies
• Contribute to regional innovation strategy, promote continuous improvement, and uphold high team standards
• Degree in Food Science / Technology
• Proven experience in one category (snacks, cake, sweet, savoury biscuits, confectionery) in a technical or commercial role is crucial
• Some experience in product development demonstrated through successfully managing a portfolio of projects and playing an active part in cross functional project teams
• Teammate with efficient time leadership skills
• Knowledge of Basic Food Legislation - Food Safety (Basic HACCP)
• Effective communication, presentation and influencing abilities
• Basic product budgeting experience
• 1st stage interview - 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• 2nd stage interview - 60 minutes - a technical interview to understand your skill set / case study or presentation interview.

What does pladis offer you?

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) - this is the business's annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan
• Private medical Insurance (if eligible by grade)
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• 25 days + bank holidays
• 1 Volunteering Day per year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to great training and development opportunities

Equal Opportunities

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we're a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that's as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.