Head of Product Development

Head of Product Development Head of Product Development Apply locations: High Wycombe Time type: Full time Posted on: Posted 2 Days Ago Time left to apply: End Date: December 26, 2024 (11 days left to apply) Job requisition id: JR26157 Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast-growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure, and people? Then this is the place for you. As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits. To succeed at pladis, you need to be purpose-led , resilient , and positive because we expect pace and agility . We insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear vision, and a roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivaled opportunities to learn and make an impact. Click “Apply” to get started. Our story Family and ideas have always been our ingredients. Our founding families believed biscuits and chocolates could bring moments of happiness to the world. Their ideas have stood the test of time. Their spirit continues to inspire our future. A global community Our 16,000 colleagues, in every corner of the world, bring their own experience of happiness to pladis. Each of us is unique but coming together as one family of bakers and chocolatiers working hard, with pride and with purpose. Because after all these years, we still believe biscuits and chocolates bring people together. We are pladis. We bake happiness. Happiness with every bite. What will this role achieve? The Head of Product Development is key in developing and delivering the brand growth for pladis. You will manage a team of R&D professionals to deliver all technical activities related to the brand & demand space, including productivity, business continuity, and growth activities. You will influence and drive the 3-year brand growth agenda, working with cross-functional partners to develop a product development strategy and taking accountability for delivery of the plan. Leading your team and the wider UK & I R&D team, this role is crucial to the growth of our categories. This role will be part of the High Wycombe leadership team, taking ownership and accountability for our test bakery facility, site engagement activities, and site H&S responsibilities. What do you need for this role? Crucial Degree or equivalent in Food or related science or Engineering Expansive experience in a food manufacturing environment in baked products and snacks – experience in chocolate and secondary processes (e.g. creams, flavourings etc.) would be advantageous. Proven track record of project leadership with several product launches, some of which should have included the installation of new technology, formats, machinery, or processes. Proven interpersonal skills and team building/motivating experience. Understanding of lean sigma techniques. Preferred Proven experience in baked and chocolate products. Previous experience in a similar leadership role in a food manufacturing business. Accreditation in six sigma/lean sigma. Our winning traits and behaviours Purpose-Led – Energised by our promise to deliver happiness to the world with every bite. Agile – Ever evolving, never satisfied and never standing still. Collaborative – Willing to work with others for mutual success, transparent, a win-win seeker. Resilient – Quick to adapt to change, fast learner and persistent in the face of setbacks. Positive – Self-motivated, optimistic, courageous, and inspiring. Diversity and inclusivity is central to everything we do and is reflected across our business. pladis brings together brands and people from around the globe – and this diversity is our great strength. pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr