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- Tasks: Lead product innovation strategy and develop a sustainable 3-year innovation pipeline.
- Company: Join Intersnack, a top European savoury snacks producer with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great benefits, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while growing your career in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or similar, with extensive FMCG R&D experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This role is based in UK, Ashby-de-la-Zouch - Home of KP Snacks’ Hula Hoops, popchips, Nik Naks, and more.
The R&D Category Leader owns the product innovation strategy for the assigned category and co‑creates the category innovation roadmap in close partnership with the European Marketing Category Lead. The role provides technical leadership to deliver a sustainable 3‑year innovation pipeline, ensure in‑market quality, and drive value creation across the Group. The Specialities category includes direct extruded (H&L pressure), compress popping and pellets.
Responsibilities
- Define and lead the category product innovation strategy with Marketing
- Build and deliver a 3‑year sustainable innovation pipeline
- Translate consumer, market and competitive insights into product opportunities
- Steer product and process development in line with the IMAGINE process
- Lead technical feasibility, risk, IP and resource assessments
- Ensure in‑market quality, specifications implementation and compliance
- Drive BFY / regulatory‑compliant transformation and responsible manufacturing
- Identify productivity and value‑engineering opportunities
- Lead the team and develop their technical, managerial skills and capabilities
- Steer external technical partners and key suppliers
Job Requirements
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering or similar
- Extensive experience in FMCG food R&D, international environment preferred
- Strong expertise in product development, formulation, sensory & process technologies
- Proven experience leading R&D innovation projects and teams
- Strategic thinker with strong hands‑on execution mindset
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Fluent English and willingness to travel internationally
- Willing to be based in UK
About us
Intersnack has become one of Europe’s leading savory snacks producers by ‘creating happy snacking moments’ in people’s lives. Being privately owned, we operate with a long-term view and commit ourselves to a more sustainable world. Successfully and sustainably growing, our turnover in 2024 was more than €4.5 bn. We are now present in more than 30 countries across Europe and beyond. We have 12 regional Management Units, 45 production sites, and a total workforce of approximately 15,000 people worldwide.
What we will offer
An enjoyable, broad and fulfilling role with one of Europe’s biggest savory snacks producers. The chance to grow in an environment that values teamwork and collaboration, as well recognized to your individuality, welcoming your views, and celebrating your growth. Naturally we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, but also the opportunity to stand out for your professionalism and performance, moving forward in a challenging environment that supports each individual team member to achieve their very best. And a place to securely develop your career as part of a business that cares about the wellbeing of all its people and understands that work-life balance is fundamental to success. At Intersnack, we value and cherish diversity for the power and potential it creates. We have extraordinary team spirit, empower our people to take ownership for what they do and challenge each other to improve. Because we know that, to become a big player, you need to master being a team player first.
Our values and behaviors are important to how we work, and they define our culture, they are:
- Thinking responsibly
- Acting entrepreneurially
- Growing together
Please upload your application documents in English only!
If you are not willing to relocate to UK, we cannot consider your application as successful.
R&D Category Leader Specialities employer: Intersnack Group & Co. KG
Contact Detail:
Intersnack Group & Co. KG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Category Leader Specialities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 innovation strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your skills and how they can benefit the company. A confident and concise introduction can make a lasting impression during networking events or interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Intersnack.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Category Leader Specialities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the R&D Category Leader role. Highlight your experience in product innovation and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the Specialities category and how you can contribute to our innovation roadmap. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven value creation or improved processes in your previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Intersnack Group & Co. KG
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food science and product development. Understand the latest trends in FMCG and be ready to discuss how they can influence innovation in the Specialities category.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led R&D projects or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to manage stakeholders and drive collaboration, as this role requires strong leadership and communication skills.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about technical feasibility, risk assessments, and compliance. Familiarise yourself with the IMAGINE process and be prepared to discuss how you would apply it to ensure quality and sustainability in product development.
✨Align with Company Values
Intersnack values teamwork, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit. Think of ways you can demonstrate these values during your interview, whether through your past experiences or your approach to challenges.