At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic R&D team to innovate in patisserie solutions.
- Company: Join Puratos, a global leader in bakery and chocolate ingredients.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in food industry, with strong leadership and technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities. We have more than 10,000 employees in over 70 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3.1 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future. This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.
To build our team we are looking for a Senior R&D Manager Patisserie to join our R&D team.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of 6 R&D professionals, driving performance, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to defining the strategic direction of the Patisserie R&D function, including innovation focus areas, product investments and resource allocation.
- Set, track and optimize key R&D KPIs to ensure team effectiveness and project success.
- Drive new product development across key categories (Cream Fillings & Decors, Fruit), managing the full lifecycle from ideation to industrial scale-up and customer implementation.
- Support and shape the innovation pipeline in close collaboration with R&D leadership.
- Work hands-on with both laboratory and industrial equipment to transform ideas into scalable solutions.
- Lead product roll-out projects at customer production sites, ensuring successful implementation and performance.
- Act as a technical point of contact (TPOC) for key accounts, translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights.
- Identify opportunities and mitigate risks within existing partnerships, contributing to business growth.
- Build and share technical expertise in patisserie ingredients and applications, driving knowledge across teams.
- Stay up to date with UK food legislation and ensure compliance and forward-looking awareness.
- Promote a structured, data-driven approach to experimentation and discovery within the team.
- Develop and maintain strong networks with customers, industry experts, equipment manufacturers, and internal stakeholders.
- Foster collaboration with global teams and ensure alignment with Business Unit specialists at headquarters.
- Encourage a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing through industry engagement and research partnerships.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
- Have at least 5 years of experience managing and leading teams.
- Have at least 10 years of experience in the food industry, particularly in Research or New Product Development.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or an equivalent field.
- Be willing and able to travel within the UK and occasionally abroad (approximately 40%).
- Be proficient in computer use, particularly Microsoft Office Suite and SAP tools.
- Hold a valid driver’s license.
- Hold a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Hold a HACCP Level 3 certification.
- Demonstrate curiosity and a continuous drive to explore new ideas and innovative ways to apply existing knowledge.
WHY WOULD YOU JOIN PURATOS
- You will be welcomed in a dynamic, entrepreneurial work environment where passion for innovation, team spirit and continuous improvement are key.
- You will have responsibilities and the possibility to take ownership of your work and grow yourself.
- In addition, you can count on attractive benefits such as:
- Company car or car allowance (£600 per month / £7,200 per year).
- Long Service Awards.
- Private healthcare (single coverage funded by Puratos; family coverage available at employee cost).
- Annual salary review.
- Pension scheme: 3.5% employee / 5% employer or 5% employee / 7.5% employer.
- 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
- Life insurance (2x salary) and 20% spouse pension.
- Monthly recognition scheme.
- Access to Perkbox discount platform.
- Learning & Development – Structured programs with a target of 5 learning days per year.
Senior R&D Manager employer: Puratos
At Puratos, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment that champions innovation and teamwork. As a Senior R&D Manager, you will not only lead a talented team but also enjoy attractive benefits such as a company car allowance, private healthcare, and structured learning opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful food solutions that enhance health and well-being globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Puratos and their innovative food solutions. Show us you’re passionate about the role and how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead and mentor a team effectively. We want to hear about your past successes in R&D and new product development.
✨Tip Number 4
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 Puratos family.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior R&D Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing product development in the food industry. We want to see how your background aligns with our innovative spirit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food innovation and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your skills.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Since this role involves technical aspects, don’t forget to highlight your knowledge of food science and any relevant certifications. We love seeing candidates who are up-to-date with industry standards and legislation!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our Puratos family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Puratos
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food science and the latest trends in patisserie. Familiarise yourself with Puratos' products and innovations, as well as their competitors. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior R&D Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership drove performance and collaboration, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready to Discuss KPIs
Understand the key performance indicators relevant to R&D in the food industry. Be prepared to discuss how you've set, tracked, and optimised KPIs in previous roles. This shows that you have a data-driven approach and can contribute to the strategic direction of the R&D function.
✨Demonstrate Your Innovative Mindset
Puratos values innovation, so come armed with ideas! Think about potential new product developments or improvements in existing processes. Share these during the interview to showcase your curiosity and ability to think outside the box, which is crucial for driving growth.
