R & D Manager

Company Description
At Valeo Foods UK, we\’re the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.
But that\’s not all – our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it\’s the Wild West flavours of New World Foods, the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.
Job Description
Based at our Wallingford site, the home of Rowse Honey, you’ll have the opportunity to work across a diverse range of Natural Sweetness Curds and sauces technologies, developing products from concept to customer sign off working with a cross functional wide network of internal teams and external partners. Whether it’s working closely with our marketing and insights teams or engaging directly with suppliers and customers, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of our Natural Sweetness products
What You’ll Be Doing

• Innovation Leadership: Support the Head of R&D Natural Sweetness in leading the innovation pipeline. You’ll be the driving force behind new product development, ensuring that every product is rooted in consumer insights and aligned with our business strategy.
• Team Collaboration: Inspire and collaborate with the R&D Technologist and work closely with other teams to foster a culture of collaboration and creativity.
• Market Impact: Work hand-in-hand with marketing and category R&D teams to develop and execute innovative products that drive growth for both our branded and retailer own-brand products.
• Partnership Development: Build and nurture relationships with third-party manufacturers and raw material partners to keep our recipes at the cutting edge of taste and innovation.
• Natural Sweetness Expertise: Become an expert in our Natural Sweetness technologies, understanding the nuances of each site’s capabilities to maximise innovation opportunities.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Food Science or related discipline.
• Min 5 years’ experience in R&D/Development role or similar experience
• Ability to apply technical knowledge and skills in a kitchen and manufacturing environment

Qualities And Experience

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Skilled at building collaborative relationships internally and externally
• Highly organised, able to multi-task and prioritise effectively
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail
• Passion for development and the food industry
• Problem solving skills
• A drive to succeed

Additional Information
Salary: Competitive salary
Hours: Full-time, days , Hybrid working
What We Offer You In Return

• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount
• And plenty more!

#J-18808-Ljbffr