R & D Manager

Valeo Foods; Wallingford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food industry seeks an R&D professional to spearhead innovation in Natural Sweetness products. This full-time role based in Wallingford involves collaboration across teams to drive new product development and ensure alignment with consumer insights and market strategies.

Benefits

Matched pension scheme up to 10%

Death in service benefit

Cycle to work scheme

Retailer discount platform

Staff discount

Qualifications

• Min 5 years’ experience in R&D/Development role or similar.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge in a kitchen and manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation pipeline for new product development.
• Collaborate with marketing and category R&D teams on innovative products.
• Build relationships with partners to enhance recipe innovation.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Time Management

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Food Science or related discipline

Job description

Based at our Wallingford site, the home of Rowse Honey, you’ll have the opportunity to work across a diverse range of Natural Sweetness Curds and sauces technologies, developing products from concept to customer sign-off, working with a cross-functional network of internal teams and external partners. Whether it’s working closely with our marketing and insights teams or engaging directly with suppliers and customers, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of our Natural Sweetness products.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Innovation Leadership: Support the Head of R&D Natural Sweetness in leading the innovation pipeline. You’ll be the driving force behind new product development, ensuring that every product is rooted in consumer insights and aligned with our business strategy.
• Team Collaboration: Inspire and collaborate with the R&D Technologist and work closely with other teams to foster a culture of collaboration and creativity.
• Market Impact: Work hand-in-hand with marketing and category R&D teams to develop and execute innovative products that drive growth for both our branded and retailer own-brand products.
• Partnership Development: Build and nurture relationships with third-party manufacturers and raw material partners to keep our recipes at the cutting edge of taste and innovation.
• Natural Sweetness Expertise: Become an expert in our Natural Sweetness technologies, understanding the nuances of each site’s capabilities to maximise innovation opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent in Food Science or related discipline.
• Min 5 years’ experience in R&D/Development role or similar experience.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge and skills in a kitchen and manufacturing environment.

Qualities and Experience:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Skilled at building collaborative relationships internally and externally.
• Highly organised, able to multi-task and prioritise effectively.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Passion for development and the food industry.
• Problem solving skills.
• A drive to succeed.

Additional Information:

• Salary: Competitive salary.
• Hours: Full-time, days, hybrid working.
• What we offer you in return:
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%.
• Death in service.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Retailer discount platform.
• Staff discount.
• And plenty more!