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 50000 - 60000 £ 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.
Technology & 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 Technology & Innovation 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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their innovation agenda and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your past projects and how you’ve driven innovation in previous roles. We suggest using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and keep them engaging.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe that a little extra effort can make a big difference in leaving a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Technology & Innovation Manager in Deeside
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Innovation Manager. Highlight your experience in FMCG product development and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our innovation agenda!
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!
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 to their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your NPD Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous NPD projects in detail. Highlight your role in taking products from concept to launch, especially in a fast-paced FMCG environment. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various departments, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with R&D, Marketing, and Operations in the past. Discuss how you fostered strong relationships and drove projects forward through teamwork.
✨Bring Your Creative Ideas
Innovation is key for this position, so come armed with fresh ideas! Think about potential new snack concepts or improvements to existing products. Presenting your creative thinking during the interview will demonstrate your fit for a role that champions a culture of innovation.