R&D Manager

Carlton, BarnsleyPermanent, Full TimeJoin Premier Foods - where people, brands and purpose come together.We're looking for an experienced, 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 within our R&D team, with responsibility for delivering commercially successful, technically robust cakes with outstanding taste, texture and shelf life.You'll play a pivotal role in bringing exciting new products to market across our much-loved Cadbury , Mr Kipling and Home Baking ranges, managing the journey from concept creation and recipe development through to scale-up and launchAs R&D Manager, Cake and Home Baking , you'll manage end-to-end product development for a wide range of ambient cake and home baking products. This role will see you leading multiple NPD and EPD projects, owning timelines and resources, troubleshooting technical challenges and ensuring products meet food safety, regulatory, labelling, quality and brand standards. Manage the end-to-end development process for new products, from ideation and bench trials through to factory scale-up and launch.Identify and apply emerging technologies, ingredients and processes to improve product quality, shelf life and cost efficiency.Own timelines and resources across multiple development projects, ensuring milestones are met and risks are managed effectively.Ensure all R&D outputs comply with relevant food safety regulations, labelling laws, internal quality standards and brand standards.Troubleshoot technical challenges to help deliver high-quality products for consumers.Foster a test-and-learn mindset, supported by clear documentation of trials, learnings and best practiceManage Mondelez licensed cake NPD and product approvalsWhat we need from you?We're looking for a creative, commercially minded R&D professional who is passionate about food and confident leading complex product development projects in a manufacturing environment.A degree-level qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or another relevant field.At least five years' experience in food product development, ideally within the ambient bakery category.Proven experience managing complex NPD projects from concept through to launch, including scale-up principles.Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes and ingredients.Familiarity with HACCP, food safety standards and regulatory requirements.A creative mindset, commercial focus and consumer-first approachWhat we offer you in return...?Competitive salaryCar AllowanceBonusUp to 7.5% pensionLife assuranceWide range of online and in-house trainingAccess to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailersReady to apply...?At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process.