At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in the food and drink sector, driving product development and client relationships.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy focused on sustainable growth and innovation in food manufacturing.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, employee discounts, matched pension contributions, and early finish Fridays.
- Other info: Join a friendly, multidisciplinary environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while leading diverse teams and projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or Technology with extensive experience in product innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The R&D Senior Manager leads, develops and commercialises a multidisciplinary consultancy for the food and drink sector. The role provides strategic, technical and commercial leadership across multiple specialist teams, including Product R&D, Consumer Insights and Sensory Analysis, delivering integrated consultancy, research and training services to start‑ups, scale‑ups and established food manufacturing businesses. The post holder will drive sustainable growth in revenue, margin and market reputation by building strong client relationships and positioning the organisation as a trusted partner for product development, reformulation, quality improvement and consumer‑led innovation.
The role covers the full innovation lifecycle—from consumer insight and concept development through product design, scale‑up and manufacture—alongside ingredient research, troubleshooting, root cause analysis and the resolution of sensory, quality and performance issues. It also includes reformulation to support health trends, regulatory compliance, ingredient availability, design to value, cost optimisation and shelf‑life extension, as well as providing deep technical expertise on ingredient functionality and raw material specification changes.
What you’ll be doing:
- Strategic Leadership across multiple specialist teams
- Technical Leadership Across the Full Product Innovation Lifecycle
- Commercial Leadership & Business Growth
- Project and Programme Management
- People Leadership & Capability Development
- Client Relationship Management and External Engagement
What we’re looking for:
- Degree qualified in a Food Science or Technology, with experience in food manufacturing to give the appropriate level of credibility to operate in this broad and strategic role. A higher degree may be an advantage if in an appropriate area.
- Effective and extensive technical project and programme management skills from recent experience.
- Significant credibility in product innovation accrued through extensive industrial experience in Product Innovation, Product Renovation and Cost optimisation (reformulation) across the Supply chain from ideation to manufacturing and beyond in distribution (vis a vis shelf life).
- Understanding of sensory science (experimental design) tools during NPD process an advantage along with consumer validation methodologies including opportunity and penalty analysis.
- Experience in scale up from concept to manufacturing production.
- A thorough understanding of a product’s P&L, including Cost of Goods (COGs), manufacturing conversion costs and basic principles of mass flow through a manufacturing process.
- Good verbal and communication skills to form good business relationships and to develop new business.
- Effective time management skills relating to effective delivery and business practices.
- Skilled at developing new ideas and bringing them to fruition in a friendly but challenging multidisciplinary environment.
- Full UK/EU driving licence and be eligible to work and travel freely within the EU.
What we offer:
- Reward platform with employee discounts and rewards
- 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
- Buy and sell holiday scheme
- A generous work save pension scheme, with employee contributions matched by the company up to 10%
- Culture focus around work/life balance (early finish Fridays)
- Subsidised onsite restaurant
Senior R&D Manager in Chipping Campden employer: Campdenbri
As a Senior R&D Manager at our innovative consultancy, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and creativity within the food and drink sector. We offer a generous benefits package, including a rewarding pension scheme, flexible holiday options, and a focus on work/life balance, ensuring you can grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in product development and consumer-led innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Manager in Chipping Campden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that personal connections can open doors, so don’t be shy about making those introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to R&D management. We recommend role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing your experience in product innovation and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or case studies that highlight your success in product development and reformulation. We want to see how you’ve driven growth and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest and summarising key points from the conversation can keep you top of mind. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Manager in Chipping Campden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior R&D Manager. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and product innovation, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our multidisciplinary consultancy!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the food and drink sector and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your strategic and technical leadership.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re looking for someone with solid technical project management skills. In your application, make sure to highlight your experience with the full product innovation lifecycle, from concept development to scale-up. This will help us see how you can lead our teams effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Campdenbri
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food science and technology knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience in product innovation, reformulation, and the full innovation lifecycle. This role is all about credibility, so show them you know your way around the industry!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your strategic, technical, and commercial leadership experiences. They want to see that you can drive growth and build strong client relationships, so come armed with stories that demonstrate your capability.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with P&L statements, Cost of Goods, and manufacturing processes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve optimised costs and improved margins in previous roles. This will show that you not only understand the technical side but also the commercial implications of your work.
✨Engage with Consumer Insights
Be prepared to talk about your experience with consumer validation methodologies and sensory science tools. They’ll be looking for someone who can integrate consumer insights into product development, so share any relevant projects where you’ve successfully done this.
