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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative snack product development from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Calbee, Japan’s #1 snack brand with a rich history and ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a culture that values innovation.
- Other info: Collaborative role with opportunities for international exposure and travel.
- Why this job: Shape the future of snacks enjoyed by millions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in FMCG product development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About Us
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. From our roots in Bradford to becoming a nationally loved brand, our signature crinkle-cut crisps and fearless approach to flavour have earned us a loyal following. Seabrook joined the Calbee group in 2018, joining forces to enter an exciting new phase of growth. 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.
The Opportunity
This is not just another R&D role. As R&D 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 have real influence, real visibility, and the chance to make a tangible impact on snacks enjoyed by millions. Working at the intersection of Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Operations and our global R&D network, you’ll take ideas from insight to shelf, creating commercially successful, consumer-loved products in a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- 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
- Bring ideas to life – develop concepts, create samples, and collaborate with suppliers to refine products
- Partner with customers – work closely with major UK retailers to deliver winning own label solutions
- Drive cross-functional delivery – lead cross functional project teams with colleagues from Operations, Marketing, Sales, and Supply Chain
- Embed a culture of innovation – champion creativity, pace, and continuous improvement across the business
This is a hands-on role where your ideas, energy, and expertise will directly shape the future.
What We’re Looking For
- 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
Who You Are
- A natural collaborator who can influence at all levels and forge strong working partnerships
- Resilient, adaptable, and calm under pressure
- Proactive, driven, and solutions-focused
- Commercially aware with strong prioritisation skills
- Curious, creative, and always looking for better ways to do things
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing, ambitious business backed by a global leader
- 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
- Play a key role in shaping products that reach millions of consumers across the UK
Location
- Deeside, close to Chester, Manchester and Liverpool
- Some travel to Bradford HQ
- Occasional global and wider UK travel
How to Apply:
If you’re ready to take the next step in your R&D career and want to be part of an exciting growth journey, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and cover letter to: Charlotte.Midgley@calbeegroupuk.com
Research And Development 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 Research And Development Manager in Deeside
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their brand values and recent innovations. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the future of snacks with them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in FMCG product development. Highlight your successes in leading cross-functional teams and delivering NPD projects from concept to launch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to their exciting growth journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Research And Development Manager in Deeside
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the R&D Manager role. Highlight your FMCG product development experience and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're a great fit for our innovative team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about snacks and how your background makes you the perfect candidate. Be sure to mention specific examples of your work in NPD and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Showcase Your Creativity: As an R&D Manager, creativity is key! In your application, share any unique ideas or projects you've worked on that demonstrate your innovative thinking. We want to see how you can bring fresh concepts to life in the snack industry.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to be part of our growing team!
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 flavours, and recent innovations. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you connect your experience in FMCG product development to their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your NPD Success
Prepare to discuss your past NPD projects in detail. Highlight your role in taking concepts from idea to launch, especially any that involved collaboration with cross-functional teams. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your contributions led to successful product outcomes, aligning with the innovation agenda they’re looking for.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role requires working closely with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Discuss how you’ve influenced stakeholders and navigated challenges in a collaborative environment, showcasing your ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.
✨Be Ready for Creative Problem-Solving
Expect questions that assess your creativity and adaptability. Prepare to discuss how you've approached challenges in product development and what innovative solutions you've implemented. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and alignment with their culture of continuous improvement.