R&D Manager

Premier Foods; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK food industry is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead the development of ambient cake products. The successful candidate will manage product concepts, recipe development, and ensure compliance with food safety standards, while working closely with marketing and operations teams.

Benefits

Bonus

Up to 7.5% pension

Life assurance

Wide range of online and in-house training

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in food product development
• Proven experience in managing complex NPD projects
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes and ingredients

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end development process for new products
• Act as a bridge between marketing, supply chain, and operations
• Ensure R&D outputs comply with food safety regulations

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organisational skills

Creativity

Education

Degree level qualification in food science, food technology, or relevant field

Job description

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R&D Manager

Location: Barnsley, GB

Position: R&D Manager

Based in Barnsley with travel to Stoke

Type: Permanent

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on R&D manager to lead the development and optimisation of ambient cake products across our brand and private label ranges. This is a key role in our R&D team with responsibility for delivering commercially successful and technically robust cakes with outstanding taste, texture, and shelf life to market.

You will manage concept creation, recipe development, scale-up, and launch delivery for a wide range of products including the iconic Mr Kipling cake range. Working closely with key stakeholders in the business to ensure a seamless execution from kitchen to shelf.

What we need from you?

• Degree level qualification in food science, food technology, or other relevant field
• 5+ years’ experience in food product development, preferably in the ambient bakery category
• Proven experience in managing complex NPD projects from concept to launch
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes and ingredients
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
• Familiarity with HACCP, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements essential
• Creative mindset with a commercial focus and consumer-first approach

What you'll be doing?

• Manage the end-to-end development process for new products – from ideation and bench trials to factory scale-up and launch
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of our manufacturing processes and capabilities and instil this knowledge into the team to ensure product feasibility is considered alongside innovation
• Identify and apply emerging technologies, ingredients, and processes to drive product quality, shelf life, and cost efficiency
• Own timelines and resources to achieve multiple development projects, ensuring milestones are met and risks are mitigated
• Act as a bridge between marketing, supply chain, technical, and operations to ensure product feasibility and alignment with strategy
• Ensure all R&D outputs comply with relevant food safety regulations, labelling laws, and internal quality and brand standards
• Troubleshoot technical challenges to ensure we are always producing the highest quality product for our consumers
• Manage and mentor a team of technologists across two manufacturing sites, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement
• Improve existing recipes and formulations to support margin, sustainability, and nutrition goals
• Foster a test-and-learn mindset with rigorous documentation of trials, learnings, and best practices

What we offer you in return...

• Bonus
• Up to 7.5% pension
• Life assurance
• Wide range of online and in-house training
• Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers

Ready to apply...?

Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.

A great British food company

Premier Foods is one of Britain’s biggest listed food companies, employing over 4,000 colleagues at 13 manufacturing sites and offices across the country.

Many of our brands have been part of UK life for more than a century, and you’ll find them in 90% of British households.

At Premier Foods, we believe in inclusion, authenticity, and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued, and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work, no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love, or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.