Product Development Scientist

Site introduction

Our Hectar Laing Development Centre 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?

The role requires an individual who is competent and skilled at working across cultures and functions and collaborating to deliver with others. They need to be able to work effectively with external partners to identify appropriate opportunities and drive development of innovative solutions, best practice approaches and systems.

Key areas of focus for the role:

• Delivering technical concepts into product development.
• Supporting in the development of solutions to technical hurdles.
• Supporting in the provision of a technical response to the commercial brief.
• Delivering bench samples and supporting in the running of pilot / factory trials.
• Supporting in ensuring costs are managed in line with trial budgets and project plans.

What will be your key deliverables?

The position will report to the Senior Cocoa & Chocolate Scientist. It is expected that the incumbent will work very closely with their counterparts across the Central Innovation & Technology team to effectively deliver the joint growth and transformation agenda and ensure balanced focus on the productivity and sustainability deliverables.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Deliver against the technical aspects of product design, meeting the quality, cost and timings encouraged.
• Build global technology platforms surrounding innovation opportunities.
• Connect and consult with ingredient suppliers and propose materials/processes that deliver business benefits in line with project objectives.
• Apply robust scientific methodologies to develop research hypothesis and execute bench and pilot plant experiments/trials.
• Characterise ingredients and final products using a broad range of techniques, such as texture and rheology.
• Analyse and interpret analytical data with full ability to implement results and provide next steps recommendations.
• Collaborate with others to build and deliver appropriate solutions to defined technical hurdles.
• Ensure timely completion of project documentation.
• Ensure technical gates are completed at each stage plus ensure the completion of ingredient specs, product specs, HARA, and product quality attributes delegating tasks to project team as appropriate.
• Developing bench samples, planning and participating in pilot plant and factory trials (pladis and Suppliers), and presentation of samples to marketing and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that all work is carried out in a safe and hygienic manner, following factory or bakery GMPs.
• Draw up product specs to final status ensuring effective handover of the development to the regional Categories Product Development Teams.
• Contribution to pladis Innovation strategy through support of conceptualisation and proactive NPD.
• Work with colleagues to ensure that product development facilities are maintained to a safe and hygienic standard and operate using lean principles.
• Drive for continuous improvement.

Bring your experience:

Excellent core technical skills and be able to understand the needs of the business, our consumers and customers to support the Senior Cocoa & Chocolate Scientist in creating and driving an exciting product agenda.

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.
• Private medical Insurance (if eligible).
• Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return‑to‑work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
• 25 days + bank holidays.
• 1 Volunteering Day per year.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial Wellbeing Support.
• Access to great training and development opportunities.

Our Values:

• Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite.
• Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.
• Positive – We’re highly motivated, optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better.
• Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward.
• Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together.

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

Accessibility at High Wycombe:

Our High Wycombe site has accessible entrances and lifts between floors to support individuals with mobility needs, but currently does not have step‑free access. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, and where possible to perform key job functions.

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.