Global Head of Product Development Innovation - Savoury

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 to succeed here 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 roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact.

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Based on site in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

What will this role achieve?

pladis operates in highly competitive, fast moving markets where it is essential to maintain and extend market share through profitable branded growth. Successful innovation through product development, continuous value improvement and consumer perceived quality superiority vs. the competition are critical.

The Head of Product Development Innovation in the Savoury category will be responsible for developing and delivering growth for pladis. They will manage high value global innovation projects in their category, delivering projects and products in line with our growth strategy and critical consumer demand spaces. They will influence the global growth strategic plan, working as cross-functional and cross-regional partners to develop product development strategies.

This is a senior role responsible for leading the team to develop and deliver against an ambitious and transformational breakthrough product strategy that is aligned to the growth ambition and sustainability aspirations of the company.

What will be your key deliverables?

The position will report directly within R&D to the position of Director – Breakthrough Product. It is expected that the incumbent will work very closely with their counterparts in Global Growth and Supply Chain to effectively deliver the joint growth and transformation agenda and ensure balanced focus on the productivity and sustainability deliverables.

Key priorities will include:

Functional Excellence

• Utilize consumer, customer, and competitor insights to develop an innovation growth funnel, drive global breakthrough projects, define and deliver a technology roadmap, ensure annual breakthrough project delivery, and lead a team of scientists and engineers for effective resource management.

Partnership Excellence

• Collaborate with Growth, FEI, and Global Procurement teams to develop effective briefs, manage supplier innovation, build strong partnerships, assess new ingredients and technology, and ensure cross-functional collaboration for successful plan delivery and resource allocation.

Execution Excellence

• Ensure technical rigour and effective risk management in project delivery, manage a portfolio of complex projects, and oversee the end-to-end NPD process while monitoring external trends and competitor moves. Lead the team by exemplifying high standards, collaborate closely with marketing and consumer insight teams, and ensure robust product specifications and quality standards.

Business Excellence

• Understand and align development with operational capabilities, manage cost centres, support cost-saving initiatives, define product characteristics, review project charters, recommend profitable product changes, and build a robust budget for effective resourcing and OPEX requirements.

Bring your experience

Essential

The role requires an individual adept at multi-cultural cross-functional collaboration and who can work effectively with external partners to identify appropriate opportunities and drive development of innovative solutions, best practice approaches & systems and a high-performing matrix team.

The ideal candidate will have excellent core technical skills, and be able to understand the needs of the business, our consumers and customers to drive an exciting product agenda. You will be a self-starter, possess a drive for results with experience in a range of companies at various stages of growth. You will have a proven ability to upskill others, both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable

Ideally you will have worked in a product innovation role across Savoury snacks, with experience of operating in a multi-business unit/country set up.

What will the interview process be?

• 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• Leadership Psychometric Assessment
• 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) 15%– this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Annual car allowance £7,000 per annum
• Private medical Insurance
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme
• 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.

Best mix of ingredients

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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.
We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.

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