Research & Development Technologist

KP Snacks; Pontefract; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

KP Snacks is seeking a Research & Development Technologist to shape the future of snacking. This role involves product development from concept through to factory trials, collaborating across teams to deliver innovative products while aligning with sustainability goals. Join a company where your ideas are valued and growth is celebrated!

Benefits

Comprehensive Healthcare Support

KP Pension Plan

25 days holiday + holiday buy scheme

KP4ME - online benefits and information platform

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in food science and product development.
• Technical, analytical, and creative skills essential.
• Ability to manage product lifecycle and collaborate across functions.

Responsibilities

• Drive hands-on product development from concept to market.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product success.
• Align product offerings with sustainability and compliance standards.

Skills

Food science

Product development

Analytical skills

Creative thinking

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Research & Development Technologist

Pontefract (Home of Butterkist Popcorn)

Hybrid

Join our snack-loving team! We're looking for a Research & Development Technologist to join our team at KP Snacks. Fancy being part of a group where your ideas matter and your growth is celebrated? Keep reading – this might just be your next adventure!

This R&D Technologist role sits at the heart of the KP Snacks Research & Development team and offers the opportunity to shape the future of snacking. Working across product category teams, you’ll support the creation and optimisation of innovative, high-quality products that delight consumers and align with our sustainability goals. With a passion for food design, you’ll develop technical and consumer insight to help bring new product concepts to life — from initial idea through to factory trials and final market launch.

You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Technical, Commercial, Procurement and Insights, as well as suppliers and manufacturing sites. Responsibilities include hands-on product development, trial execution, benchmarking, and sample preparation, all while maintaining compliance with safety, quality, cost and efficiency standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to contribute to an ambitious, values-led business, with scope to develop their skills and technical expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.

What’s in it for you?

We believe in giving back and making sure you're happy and thriving. Here's a taste of what we offer:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Support – Access to a Medicash Health Cash Plan, including a Digital GP service, Best Doctors (Second Medical Opinion Service), and specialist Cancer Care for peace of mind when you need it most.

• KP Pension Plan - contribution matching up to 7% of your salary

• 25 days holiday + holiday buy scheme

• KP4ME - online benefits, discounts, prizes, competitions and information platform with access to mental, physical and financial wellbeing information and tools

What will you be doing?

• Drive hands-on product development, creating and refining snack concepts from bench work through to full-scale factory trials.

• Tackle the exciting challenge of bringing innovative, consumer-loved products to market while balancing creativity with manufacturing feasibility and cost-efficiency.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, Technical, Marketing and Procurement, playing a key role in a supportive, fast-paced environment.

• Make a real impact by contributing to KP Snacks’ People & Planet goals, ensuring products are not only delicious but also aligned with sustainability and compliance standards.

• Gain valuable experience across the full product lifecycle, with opportunities to grow technical expertise, develop commercial awareness and contribute to strategic projects.

Who are we?

Glad you asked! We're KP Snacks, proud to be part of the Intersnack family. Picture this: over 15,000 of us, spread across more than 30 countries, all working together to create the snacks you love. From Hula Hoops to McCoy's, we're the team behind your favourite munchies.

Here in the UK, we're about 2,400 strong, spread across seven factories and our Slough HQ. But don't let our size fool you – we're as close-knit as they come. We believe in speaking our minds, celebrating our differences, and pushing boundaries together.

Diversity isn't just a buzzword for us. We're on a mission to create a workplace where everyone belongs. So, even if you don't tick every box, we want to hear from you! Your unique perspective could be just what we need. Also, if there's anything we can do to make this process easier for you, just give us a shout.

We’d love to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Brings a strong foundation in food science, product development or food processing, with a curiosity for flavour, consumer behaviour and innovation.

• Applies solid technical, analytical and creative skills to deliver accurate and effective product development, while supporting the wider team through collaboration, clear communication and problem-solving.

• Demonstrates transferable experience across product lifecycles, ideally with experience in consumer goods and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across functions like Marketing and Supply Chain.

• Project management, packaging or European market experience is a plus, but we welcome applications from individuals who meet most, not all, of the criteria – we value potential and mindset.

• Aligns with KP’s values through a proactive, can-do attitude, strong interpersonal skills and a passion for continuous improvement, teamwork and consumer-led thinking.

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