At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the innovation agenda and develop exciting new snack products.
- Company: Join Calbee, Japan’s #1 snack brand with a rich history and global reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with international teams and travel to Bradford HQ.
- Why this job: Shape the future of snacks in a fast-paced, creative environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in FMCG product development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Calbee is Japan’s #1 snack brand and one of the world’s largest snack manufacturers, creating snacks loved by millions across Asia and beyond for over 50 years.
Since 1945, Seabrook Crisps has been crafting bold, distinctive snacks that stand out from the crowd. With a strong portfolio of brands, impressive growth in a competitive market and ambitious plans for the years ahead, we’re investing in innovation, capability, capacity, and talent to take our brands – and our people – to the next level.
As Innovation Manager - Snacks, you’ll be at the forefront of our innovation agenda. Working closely with R&D colleagues and the wider Marketing team, you’ll own and drive the development of exciting new products across both our branded and own label portfolios. You’ll take ideas from insight to shelf, creating commercially successful, consumer-loved products in a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment.
- Lead the snacks innovation agenda with purpose – shape and deliver a forward-thinking NPD pipeline aligned to brand strategy
- Own the end-to-end development process – from concept creation through to successful product launch
- Drive cross-functional delivery – lead cross-functional project teams with colleagues from Operations
- Embed a culture of innovation – champion creativity, pace, and continuous improvement across the organisation
You’re an ambitious, commercially minded product developer who thrives in a fast-paced FMCG environment and is ready to step into a high-impact role. You excel at building strong, collaborative relationships and see a positive, adaptable outlook as key to success.
- Proven experience in FMCG product development (4+ years)
- Strong track record of delivering NPD projects from concept to launch
- Confident leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects
- Experience working with UK retailers on own-label development (advantageous)
- Knowledge of frying/extrusion technologies (desirable – especially in savoury snacks)
- Strong organisational and IT skills
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or similar
- Full UK driving licence
Bonus Points If You Have:
- Previous exposure to international teams or global brands
- Japanese language skills
Curious, creative, and always looking for better ways to do things. Work in a culture where innovation is genuinely valued and encouraged. Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. Access career development opportunities within an international group. Some travel to Bradford HQ and occasional global and wider UK travel.
IT Innovation Manager in Deeside employer: Calbee Group UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Calbee Group UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Innovation Manager in Deeside
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for innovation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your creative ideas and how you’ve driven successful projects in the past. They want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re excited about shaping the future of snacks!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s products and recent innovations. Bring your own ideas to the table during discussions. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success. Plus, it’ll help you stand out from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are enthusiastic about joining us at StudySmarter. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that dream job in innovation management.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Innovation Manager in Deeside
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Innovation Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG product development and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our vision for innovation!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for snacks and innovation, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with cross-functional teams and NPD projects.
Showcase Your Creativity: We love creativity at StudySmarter! Use your application to demonstrate your innovative thinking. Whether it’s through unique project examples or fresh ideas for snack products, let your imagination run wild!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table in shaping the future of snacks!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calbee Group UK Ltd
✨Know Your Snacks
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of snacks! Familiarise yourself with Calbee and Seabrook's product lines, their unique selling points, and recent innovations. This will not only show your passion for the industry but also help you connect your experience in FMCG product development to their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your NPD Success
Prepare to discuss your previous NPD projects in detail. Highlight your role in taking concepts from idea to shelf, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different departments. Discuss how you fostered creativity and innovation within those teams, and how you managed to keep everyone aligned towards a common goal.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company's innovation agenda. Inquire about their current challenges in product development or how they envision the future of their snack brands. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.