Senior Product Development Manager

pladis Global; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global biscuits and confectionery company is seeking a Senior Product Development Manager to lead projects related to iconic brands. This role focuses on innovation, strategic development, and team management in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will possess experience in product development and a proven track record in launching products, along with a creative approach to problem-solving and managing cross-functional teams. Offering competitive compensation and a dynamic work culture.

Benefits

Equal opportunity employer

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in leading cross-functional project teams.
• Knowledge and understanding of regional taste differences.
• Demonstrable success in launching products.

Responsibilities

• Lead new projects in savoury crisps and snacks.
• Manage and mentor team for technical development.
• Drive for continuous improvement in product development.

Skills

Project management experience

Experience in Product Development

Creative problem-solving

Leadership and mentoring

Knowledge of Lean principles

Job description

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Senior Product Development Manager, High Wycombe

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Client:

pladis Global

Location:

High Wycombe, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

f0da746c0450

Job Views:

26

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to bepurpose-led,resilientandpositiveto succeed here because we expect pace andagility, we insist oncollaborationand demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact

Click “Apply” to get started.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Product Development Manager role based at High Wycombe on a permanent basis. The successful candidate will join our Savoury team which will include projects on our Jacob's and Carr's brands. The role is both proactive, taking opportunities to develop concepts to fit with brand strategies and reactive to technical briefs from the marketing teams.

Strategy and Business Knowledge

Interact with R&D to guide and commercialise key technologies essential for new innovation both internally and externally

Interact with brand managers to populate savoury pipeline in line with strategy

Interact with flavour houses, seasoning and ingredient suppliers to create both base and topical flavour systems.

Knowledge and understanding of regional taste differences and is able to apply to work appropriately as well as advise others.

Working closely with sensory to get to the right product.

Utilise supplier technology to deliver unique solutions to the marketplace

Creation/Project Management

Demonstrate a leadership role in new projects and initiatives on savoury crisps and snacks.

Proactive in using new materials and advancing technology

Continue to prove commercial success through new and aligned relevant innovation and new wins

Direct technology development and implementation

Create and execute training programs for technical and commercial staff on seasoning and flavour.

Key input and/or leadership role into savoury community of practice.

Anticipate, investigate and resolve problems related to raw materials, flavour systems, finished prototypes and initial scale up procedures

Proactive in new raw material evaluation

Continue to expand own knowledge

Proactively work with new flavour systems and specific areas of improvement

Leadership & Team management:

Manage, empower and mentor team, so that their personal and technical development needs are identified and acted upon - the outputs should be evaluated through the appraisal system. Be a role model for the team promoting high standards of work, and behaviours.

Ensure that personal development plans are built, kept current and actioned as appropriate

Use their breadth of experience to act as a technical mentor across the team to ensure mitigation of risk to execution of projects.

Work with colleagues to ensure that product development facilities are maintained to a safe and hygienic standard and operate using lean principles. Drive for continuous improvement.

Bring your experience.

• Knowledge and understanding of regional taste differences and is able to apply to work appropriately as well as advise others. ) in a technical or commercial role.
• Experience in Product Development within savoury and/or seasonings categories
• Experience in leading cross-functional project teams to achieve an agreed objective.
• Project management experience, including a good understanding of the roles and responsibilities of project team members
• Demonstrable success in launching products.
• Creative approaches to problem solving
• Experience in line management and mentoring, training and development of subordinates.
• Understanding of Lean principles/Lean Sigma
• Process knowledge outside of ambient Cakes/biscuits/Snacks
• Knowledge of global pladis brands, business, key competitors and key markets

What will the interview process be?

• st stage interview – minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• nd stage interview – minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.
• Final interview based on Leadership Success Model Assessment/role competencies.

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.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.
We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.