Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D initiatives to innovate and improve food products while supporting customer needs.
- Company: Join Puratos, a global leader in bakery and chocolate ingredients with a passion for innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, 25 days leave, and a bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and environmental commitment in food solutions.
- Qualifications: 5+ years experience, Food Hygiene level 3, and a driver’s license required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and a chance to shape the future of food innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities. We are more than 10,000 employees in over 85 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3.1 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future. This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.
To strengthen our team in Puratos Fourayes, near Sittingbourne, Kent, we are looking for an R&D Manager.
Your Mission
The R&D Manager role works to future proof our business by investigating the latest innovations in raw materials and technologies and applying those insights to create best in class customer solutions. The R&D Manager will create a broad network of external and internal connections to lead thought leadership in their specific field. Together with Senior R&D Managers, they contribute to the future of the SBU and strategy for their business unit.
Key responsibilities
- Customer Support
- Working with our customers to understand their needs and resolve their technical problems
- Providing technical expertise on ingredient selection, sourcing and functionality
- Proactive, professional, and confident communications with our teams and customers
- Product Design
- Creating and improving our Fillings products across various manufacturing platforms
- Understanding what, why and how to use raw materials to create and ameliorate
- Being fluent with the UK’s food legislation landscape and how it could change
- Managing, Mentoring and Leading
- Managing and leading a team of R&D colleagues
- Creating and deploying a vision for the future of your product category
- Operating in a cross-functional team with our Marketing, Operations and Sales colleagues
- Process Optimisation
- Leading the scale-up and process improvement of Fillings products in our Plants
- Being familiar with the equipment that turns ideas into reality, in the lab and on plant
- Applying scientific methodology, understanding how to discover objectively and repeatably
- Networking and Influencing
- Establishing yourself as a thought leader for ingredients within Puratos UK
- Understanding the market; knowing plant, products, and people
Who are we looking for?
Are you driven by curiosity and a commitment to environmental challenges? Do you excel in resilience, mindful disruption, and scientific rigor? We are seeking an individual who displays:
- Commitment - To the environmental challenge, particularly with respect to resource
- Curiosity - Constantly searching for new information and novel ways to use established wisdom
- Humility - Sharing knowledge and experience freely to enrich others
- Mindful disruption - Not held back by convention
- Resilience - Trying, learning and trying again, whether we succeed or fail
- Rigour & discipline - Use scientific method to pose and answer questions
And who:
- Has a minimum of 5 years’ experience
- Can travel in the UK and occasionally abroad (1-2 days a week)
- Is open to flexible working hours
- Is computer literate (primary usage: Microsoft Office Suite)
- Holds a Food Hygiene level 3 Certificate
- Has a drivers’ license
What can you expect from us
Puratos provides a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment that encourages our people to take initiatives and bring ideas that will contribute to the success of the company. Of course, Puratos offers a competitive package, but additionally, it offers you a position that you can further develop and shape. If you join our team, you can expect:
- Competitive salary package which is reviewed annually
- 37.5 working hours per week
- A 5% bonus
- Loyal Service Awards
- Company pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave + UK bank holidays
- Life insurance 4 x salary
- Monthly recognition scheme
- Perkbox discount platform
- Professional in-house and external trainings
R&D Manager employer: Puratos
Contact Detail:
Puratos Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in R&D. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in food innovation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in food technology and ingredient functionality. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience in managing teams or projects. Highlight how you've mentored others or led initiatives that align with Puratos' focus on innovation and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of UK food legislation and how it impacts product development. Being knowledgeable about regulatory changes will position you as a valuable asset to the R&D team at Puratos.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in R&D, particularly in food technology and product design. Emphasise any leadership roles and your ability to work cross-functionally, as these are key aspects of the R&D Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation and how it aligns with Puratos' mission. Mention specific examples of how you've tackled environmental challenges or led successful projects in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Be sure to include any technical skills or certifications that are relevant to the role, such as your Food Hygiene level 3 Certificate. Highlight your familiarity with UK food legislation and any experience you have with ingredient sourcing and functionality.
Demonstrate Soft Skills: Puratos values qualities like curiosity, resilience, and humility. Use your application to illustrate how you've embodied these traits in your professional journey, perhaps through anecdotes or specific achievements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Puratos
✨Showcase Your Curiosity
As an R&D Manager, curiosity is key. Be prepared to discuss how you've sought out new information and innovative solutions in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how your curiosity has led to successful projects or improvements.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food technology and ingredient functionality. During the interview, be ready to provide insights on how you would apply this knowledge to solve customer problems and enhance product design.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing and mentoring a team, prepare to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've successfully led a team through challenges, focusing on how you foster collaboration and innovation.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Puratos' commitment to environmental challenges and community engagement. Be ready to articulate how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of creating innovative food solutions.
