At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product innovation strategy and develop a sustainable 3-year pipeline for exciting snack products.
- Company: Join KP Snacks, home of beloved brands like Hula Hoops and popchips.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the snack industry while working with a creative team.
- 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
What we will offer: We 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, celebrates individuality, and encourages a work‑life balance. A competitive salary and benefits package with opportunities to advance your career and develop professionally.
R&D Category Leader Specialities employer: Intersnack Group
At KP Snacks, located in the vibrant town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration. Our R&D Category Leader Specialities role offers a unique opportunity to lead product innovation within one of Europe’s largest savoury snack producers, all while enjoying a supportive work culture that values teamwork, individual growth, and a healthy work-life balance. With competitive salaries and a commitment to professional development, we empower our employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the food industry.
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 with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their innovation strategies 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, especially in terms of product development and R&D leadership. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions.
✨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 and engaged with our brand.
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 speaks directly 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 tell us why you're passionate about the Specialities category and how you can contribute to our innovation roadmap. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical leadership, be sure to mention your expertise in food science and product development. We love seeing specific examples of how you've driven successful projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Intersnack Group
✨Know Your Product Innovation Strategy
Make sure you understand the product innovation strategy for the Specialities category. Familiarise yourself with KP Snacks’ current offerings and think about how you can contribute to their innovation roadmap. Be ready to discuss your ideas on translating consumer insights into product opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Prepare to highlight your experience in FMCG food R&D, especially in product development and formulation. Bring examples of past projects where you led innovation initiatives or overcame technical challenges. This will demonstrate your hands-on execution mindset and strategic thinking.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong stakeholder management is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can convey complex technical information in an understandable way, as you’ll need to collaborate with both technical teams and marketing partners.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and developing their skills. Share specific examples of how you've steered external partners or suppliers in previous roles. This will show that you can not only lead a team but also foster collaboration across different functions.
