Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of delicious ambient cake products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, a leading British food company with iconic brands in 90% of UK households.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, pension, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values innovation and quality in food production.
- Qualifications: Degree in food science and 5+ years in food product development required.
- Other info: Foster a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement while mentoring a talented team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Based in Barnsley with travel to Stoke. We are looking for an experienced and 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 in our R&D team with responsibility for delivering commercially successful and technically robust cake with outstanding taste, texture and shelf life to market. You will manage concept creation, recipe development, scale up and launch delivery for a wide range of products including the iconic Mr Kipling cake range. Working closely with key stakeholders in the business to ensure a seamless execution from kitchen to shelf.
What we need from you?
- Degree level qualification in food science, food technology or other relevant field
- 5+ years' experience in food product development, preferably in the ambient bakery category.
- Proven experience in managing complex NPD projects from concept to launch
- Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes and ingredients.
- Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
- Familiarity with HACCP, food safety standards and regulatory requirements essential.
- Creative mindset with commercial focus and consumer-first approach.
What you'll be doing?
- Manage the end to end development process for new products - from ideation and bench trials to factory scale up and launch.
- Develop and maintain a strong understanding of our manufacturing processes and capabilities and instil this knowledge into the team to ensure product feasibility is considered alongside innovation.
- Identify and apply emerging technologies, ingredients and processes to drive product quality, shelf life and cost efficiency.
- Own timelines and resources to achieve multiple development projects, ensuring milestones are met and risks are mitigated.
- Act as a bridge between marketing, supply chain, technical and operations to ensure product feasibility and alignment with strategy.
- Ensure all R&D outputs comply with relevant food safety regulations, labelling laws and internal quality and brand standards.
- Troubleshoot technical challenges to ensure we are always producing the highest quality product for our consumers.
- Manage and mentor a team of technologists across two manufacturing sites, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement.
- Improve existing recipes and formulations to support margin, sustainability and nutrition goals.
- Foster a test and learn mindset with rigorous documentation of trials, learnings and best practices.
What we offer you in return...?
- Competitive salary
- Car allowance
- Bonus
- Up to 7.5% pension
- Life assurance
- Wide range of online and in-house training
- Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers
Ready to apply...? Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.
R&D Manager in Barnsley, South Yorkshire employer: Premier Foods
Contact Detail:
Premier Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Manager in Barnsley, South Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those who have experience in R&D roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in ambient bakery products.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific products and brands that Premier Foods offers, particularly the Mr Kipling range. Understanding their product lines will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous NPD projects in detail, focusing on your role in managing timelines, resources, and overcoming challenges. Highlighting your hands-on experience will show that you are well-equipped for this managerial position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research HACCP and food safety regulations relevant to the UK market. Being able to speak confidently about compliance and quality standards will set you apart as a candidate who understands the importance of safety in product development.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Manager in Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in food product development, especially in the ambient bakery category. Emphasise your hands-on experience with NPD projects and any specific achievements that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for R&D in the food industry. Mention your degree in food science or technology and how your skills in managing complex projects can contribute to the success of the team at Premier Foods.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your knowledge of food manufacturing processes, HACCP, and food safety standards. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership and communication skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Creative Mindset: Illustrate your creative approach to product development by sharing examples of how you've applied emerging technologies or innovative ingredients in past projects. This will help convey your consumer-first mindset and commercial focus.
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of food science and technology during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed NPD projects, particularly in the ambient bakery category, and demonstrate your familiarity with HACCP and food safety standards.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an R&D Manager, you'll be leading a team. Share experiences where you've successfully managed and mentored others, fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement. This will show that you can not only lead projects but also inspire your team.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions about troubleshooting technical challenges. Prepare examples of past situations where you identified issues in product development and how you resolved them, ensuring high-quality outcomes. This will showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Premier Foods' commitment to inclusion and authenticity. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace. This will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
