At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop exciting new snack products and collaborate with marketing teams.
- Company: Join a fast-growing global biscuits and confectionery business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, health cash plan, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal development and innovation.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career with a well-known brand and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science/Technology and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
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, 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 High Wycombe site is the beating heart of innovation at pladis, a dynamic hub where creativity, science, and consumer insight come together to shape the future of snacking. Home to our Innovation, R&D, Regulatory, and Technical Insights teams, this site supports both pladis Global and UK&I, driving progress across our sweet and savoury portfolios. With a state-of-the-art pilot plant and a culture of collaboration, High Wycombe is our centre of excellence for research and development. From the first spark of an idea to the final product on shelf, our teams work side by side to deliver exciting, high-quality snacks that delight consumers everywhere. It’s a place where every voice matters, and every innovation is powered by the passion and expertise of our people.
What will this role achieve? We’re excited to share a great opportunity for a Product Development Technologist 12 month FTC to join our R&D team in High Wycombe. This role sits within our Savoury Biscuit team, working on some of our much-loved brands. As a Product Development Technologist, you’ll work both proactively, developing new concepts that align with brand strategy, and reactively, responding to technical briefs from our marketing teams. It’s a fantastic role for someone looking to kick-start their Product Development career with a well-known household brand!
What will be your key deliverables?
- Own all technical aspects of small design projects, developing product options aligned with marketing briefs.
- Plan, run, and review development trials from bench to full-scale factory level, presenting samples and applying feedback.
- Produce draft product costs, estimate development budgets, and track spend against targets with your line manager.
- Support project scheduling, resource planning, and raise any technical or project risks that may affect quality, cost, or timelines.
- Maintain accurate records, complete technical documentation/specifications, and liaise with suppliers in line with R&D/Procurement strategy.
- Contribute to idea generation, uphold safe and lean development facilities, and actively progress personal development plans.
Bring your experience:
- University degree level qualification in Food Science/Technology.
- Creative approaches to problem solving.
- Basic understanding of health & safety requirements.
- Strong understanding of food legislation.
- Strong influencing and communication skills in English.
- Right to work in the UK.
What will the interview process be?
- Initial Telephone call with Talent Acquisition.
- 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
- 2nd stage interview – 60 minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.
- pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process. Some processes may differ, but we will keep you updated!
What does pladis offer you?
- Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
- Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan.
- Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return-to-work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
- Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
- Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
- 25 days +
Product Development Technologist - 12 month FTC employer: pladis Foods Limited
At pladis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. Our High Wycombe site is not just a hub for innovation; it offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth within the dynamic world of biscuits and confectionery. With a commitment to quality, a supportive environment, and a clear vision for success, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a range of benefits, including an annual bonus scheme and enhanced parental leave.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Technologist - 12 month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research pladis, their brands, and their values. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission to bring happiness.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the competency-based interview by thinking of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and how they align with pladis' Winning Traits. We want to see your entrepreneurial spirit shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and even tips for the interview process. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at pladis and contributing to their exciting journey in product development.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Technologist - 12 month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your passion for food science and product development aligns with our mission to bring happiness to consumers.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to customise your CV for this specific role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially your understanding of food legislation and creative problem-solving abilities.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our R&D team at High Wycombe.
How to prepare for a job interview at pladis Foods Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food science and technology knowledge. Understand the latest trends in product development, especially in biscuits and confectionery. Being able to discuss recent innovations or challenges in the industry will show your passion and expertise.
✨Show Your Creative Side
Since this role involves developing new concepts, be prepared to share examples of your creative problem-solving skills. Think of a time when you came up with a unique solution or idea in a project. This will demonstrate your entrepreneurial spirit and ability to think outside the box.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions during the interview, especially in the second stage. Brush up on food legislation and health & safety requirements. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios related to product development and quality control.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is key at pladis, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, and highlight your communication skills. This will show that you embody the values they are looking for.
