At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development for savoury biscuits and drive innovation strategies.
- Company: Join pladis, a global leader in baking happiness with every bite.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel across the UK and work in a vibrant, purpose-led culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive because we expect pace and agility, insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact. 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.
The Head of Product Development - Savoury Biscuits plays a central role in shaping and delivering pladis' savoury biscuits growth agenda, leading technical activities across innovation, productivity, and business continuity. You will lead a team of R&D professionals, working with cross-functional partners to define product development strategy and deliver the three-year growth plan. As a key member of the leadership team, you will also take ownership of the test bakery facility, site engagement activities, and site health & safety responsibilities.
This role is critical to the growth of our savoury categories, combining strategic leadership with hands-on accountability for capability, delivery, and site support. You will act as the technical expert for product development, providing guidance on major innovation projects and serving as the key R&D contact for complex site and supply chain challenges. You will be building future pipeline and technical capability by identifying new ingredients, processes, and ways to strengthen the UK&I business. You will oversee escalations and maintain compliance with required procedures. You will define the forward-looking plan for the future capability of the savoury biscuits team and pilot plant while ensuring team KPIs, prioritisation, and development are effectively managed.
There will be a requirement to travel to our manufacturing sites across the UK as part of this role. Utilizing consumer, customer and competitor knowledge develop a robust (sufficiency & readiness) innovation growth funnel for your portfolio, alongside marketing partners. Actively support the creation of a cost saving programme for your portfolio and be accountable for the delivery of the projects. Establish clear requirements for product characteristics distinguishing between those that are essential for consumer delight and those that are less defining. Review and agree project charters. Make recommendations for product changes that will yield improved profitability.
Demonstrate effective leadership that will help the function to become a driver for innovation and collaboration. Build partnerships and work with others to meet shared objectives and help the organisation to manage ambiguity and uncertainty.
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 interpersonal skills and team building/motivating experience. Proven experience in baked and chocolate products. Previous experience in a similar leadership role in a food manufacturing business.
Purpose-Led - Energised by our promise to deliver happiness to the world with every bite. Collaborative - Willing to work with others for mutual success, transparent, a win-win seeker.
Formed in 2016, pladis is the proud steward of over 300 years of family baking and confectionery experience. The expertise of our 16,000-strong global workforce spans 27 bakeries across 11 countries and is united by our purpose: to 'bring happiness with every bite'.
Head of Product Development - Savoury Biscuit in High Wycombe employer: pladis Foods Limited
At pladis, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-led employer that fosters a collaborative and positive work culture. As the Head of Product Development for Savoury Biscuits, you will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic team in a role that not only drives innovation but also contributes to our mission of bringing happiness with every bite. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment, pladis offers unrivalled opportunities to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate colleagues across the globe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development - Savoury Biscuit in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know pladis and their values inside out. When you walk into that interview, show them you're not just another candidate but someone who truly resonates with their purpose-led approach. Share your passion for bringing happiness through food!
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your agility and resilience. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've had to adapt quickly or overcome challenges. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment like pladis.
✨Tip Number 3
Collaboration is key at pladis, so come prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Highlight your ability to build partnerships and achieve shared goals, as this aligns perfectly with their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the pladis family and contributing to their mission of baking happiness.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development - Savoury Biscuit in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Purpose-Led:Show us your passion for bringing happiness with every bite! In your application, highlight how your values align with our purpose and how you can contribute to our mission at pladis.
Show Your Resilience:We love a good story of overcoming challenges! Share examples in your application that demonstrate your resilience and how you've tackled tough situations in your previous roles.
Collaboration is Key:At pladis, we believe in the power of teamwork. Make sure to mention any collaborative projects you've been part of and how you worked with others to achieve shared goals in your application.
Keep it Agile:We value agility in our fast-paced environment. In your written application, showcase your ability to adapt and pivot when needed, and how you've successfully managed change in your past experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at pladis Foods Limited
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, dive deep into pladis' values and culture. They’re all about being purpose-led, resilient, and collaborative. Think about how your own experiences align with these traits and be ready to share specific examples that showcase your fit.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Product Development, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare to discuss your past experiences in leading teams, driving innovation, and managing projects. Highlight any successful collaborations and how you’ve motivated your team to achieve shared goals.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to product development in the savoury biscuit sector. Brush up on your knowledge of ingredients, processes, and compliance standards. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve tackled complex challenges in previous roles and what innovative solutions you’ve implemented.
✨Emphasise Agility and Accountability
pladis values agility and accountability, so be ready to discuss how you adapt to change and take ownership of your projects. Share examples of how you’ve navigated uncertainty in the past and how you ensure that your team meets KPIs while maintaining high standards.
