At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting R&D projects from concept to launch in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Jordans Cereals, a pioneer in crafting wholesome and tasty cereals.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work culture, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with access to global career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation and collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience in FMCG or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
At Jordans Cereals, we never settle for bland.
For over 50 years, we’ve been crafting wholesome, tasty and healthier cereals that bring nature’s best to breakfast tables around the world.
As pioneers in cereals, we’ve always pushed boundaries – combining curiosity, bold thinking and natural ingredients to stay ahead and inspire the category.
Proud to be part of Associated British Foods (ABF), we pair the strength of a global group with the agility of a forward-thinking brand.
Jordans is more than cereals – it’s a place to grow your career.
Curiosity is our secret ingredient.
We think differently, act bravely and collaborate with energy and openness to bring out the best in each other.
Together we pioneer innovation, build distinctive brands beyond the bowl, and own our impact on people and planet. Your next opportunity could be just one click away.
Overview Of Role
Are you someone who loves turning great ideas into reality?
We're looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our R&D team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, leading innovation, renovation and business change projects from concept through to launch.
Working at the heart of a fast-paced FMCG environment, you'll bring structure, pace and momentum to a varied portfolio of projects, collaborating across Product Development, Supply Chain, Technical, Operations, Marketing and Commercial teams.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on building relationships, navigating complexity and making things happen, ensuring new products and changes are delivered successfully, on time and ready for market.
- Key Accountabilities
- Leading innovation, renovation and change projects from concept through to successful launch.
- Bringing together cross-functional teams across R&D, Technical, Operations, Supply Chain, Packaging and Commercial to deliver great outcomes.
- Creating and managing project plans, ensuring milestones, risks and dependencies are visible and effectively managed.
- Driving momentum by facilitating project meetings, removing barriers and keeping teams focused on priorities.
- Coordinating launch-critical activities, including product development, artwork, factory trials, technical approvals and first production runs.
- Using Microsoft 365, AI tools and digital workflows to improve collaboration, visibility and delivery.
- Providing clear project updates and recommendations to stakeholders, ensuring informed and timely decision-making.
- Balancing pace with effective governance, ensuring projects meet quality, food safety, regulatory and customer requirements.
- The Right Person
- Proven project management experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, consumer goods or a closely related fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong knowledge of NPD/EPD delivery, stage and gate governance, launch planning, risk management and cross-functional project routines.
- Experience managing artwork, packaging, specifications, technical approval, customer samples, supplier lead times and factory trial milestones.
- Clear, confident communication with busy cross-functional teams, turning complexity into simple actions, decisions and next steps.
- Sound judgement to balance speed, cost, quality, service and risk in an FMCG food environment.
- Ability to cut through ambiguity, identify options and recommend practical solutions that keep projects moving.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively, elevate appropriately and influence without direct authority.
- Positive energy, resilience and pace, while staying calm and practical when timelines, priorities or project risks change.
- Confident using M365 tools to manage timelines, action trackers, risk registers, reporting packs and visibility of delivery.
Desirable (Not Essential)
- Experience working in a branded food business or with cereal, snacking, breakfast, grocery or retailer-led launch environments.
- Formal project management training or qualification would be helpful but is not essential.
We can offer....
- Competitive salary
- Pension Scheme – up to 10% employer contributions
- Hybrid & Flexible work culture
- Buy holiday scheme
- Discounted products
- Health Cash Plan
- Career opportunities - ABF group employs 128,000 employees worldwide.
- Discounts on over 900 retailers on our discount platform
- Group Cycle to work scheme
- Free Parking
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
R&D Project Manager- 12 month FTC Hybrid employer: Jordans Cereals
Jordans Cereals is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment in Biggleswade where teamwork and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package including bonuses and pensions, we ensure our staff feel valued and motivated. Join us to be part of a culture that prioritises safety, quality, and collaboration in food production.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Project Manager- 12 month FTC Hybrid
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Jordans Cereals face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Jordans Cereals.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Jordans Cereals during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Jordans Cereals. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Project Manager- 12 month FTC Hybrid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Jordans Cereals immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Jordans Cereals – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jordans Cereals
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Jordans Cereals. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Jordans Cereals's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
