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For Companies At a Glance
- 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, benefits package, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional 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 related field; experience in FMCG R&D preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Role
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. Our values and behaviors are important to how we work, and they define our culture, they are: Thinking responsibly, Acting entrepreneurially, Growing together.
Location Preference
Job based in the UK, preference in Ashby or around.
R&D Category Leader Specialities employer: Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG
Contact Detail:
Intersnack Group GmbH & 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 what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to their R&D efforts. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
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 background aligns 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. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise in food science or technology. Mention specific tools or methodologies you’ve used in past roles that relate to product development and quality assurance. We love seeing those details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG
✨Know Your Product Innovation Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's product innovation strategy, especially for the Specialities category. Familiarise yourself with their current products like Hula Hoops and popchips, and think about how you can contribute to their innovation roadmap.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience in FMCG food R&D and how it aligns with the role. Prepare examples of past projects where you led product development or overcame technical challenges, as this will demonstrate your hands-on execution mindset.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with marketing and external partners, prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully managed stakeholders. This could include how you navigated differing opinions or aligned teams towards a common goal.
✨Emphasise Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can translate consumer insights into product opportunities. Be prepared to discuss your approach to strategic planning and how you ensure that innovation pipelines are sustainable and compliant with regulations.