At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic R&D team to innovate in patisserie products.
- 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 - 75000 £ 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 - Patisserie employer: Puratos
At Puratos, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior R&D Manager in Patisserie, you will lead a talented team while enjoying attractive benefits such as a company car allowance, private healthcare, and structured learning opportunities, all within a culture that values continuous improvement and personal growth. Join us in our mission to create innovative food solutions and make a meaningful impact in the bakery and patisserie industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Manager - Patisserie
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant online communities. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your past projects and successes in R&D. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more prepared you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Puratos.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Manager - Patisserie
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! Share your passion for patisserie and innovation, and explain why you’re excited about joining Puratos. Let us know how you can contribute to our mission of creating health-focused food solutions.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven performance and innovation in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Puratos
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of patisserie ingredients and the latest trends in food innovation. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with Puratos' focus on health and well-being in food solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and mentoring teams. Think about specific situations where you drove performance and collaboration, as this role requires strong leadership in R&D.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves setting and tracking R&D KPIs, come prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive project success in the past. Share any experiences where a structured approach led to innovative outcomes.
✨Engage with Innovation
Demonstrate your curiosity and passion for innovation by discussing recent projects or ideas you've explored. Show how you can contribute to shaping the innovation pipeline at Puratos and how you stay updated with industry developments.
