Product Development Technologist - 12 month FTC in High Wycombe

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 + bank holidays Holiday Enhancement Scheme.
• 1 Volunteering Day per year.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial Wellbeing Support.
• Access to great training and development opportunities.

Our Values: 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.

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.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidates 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.