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
What will this role achieve?
We have an exciting role for a Product Development Technologist to join our R&D Team in High Wycombe. The position sits within our elevated indulgence team which includes projects on the McVitie’s brand (Club, Gold, Signature). The Product Development Technologist role is both proactive, taking opportunities to develop concepts to fit with brand strategies and reactive to technical briefs from the marketing teams.
What will be your key deliverables?
- Manage and be responsible for all technical aspects of a small design project (typically a flavour variant).
- Develop product options to meet a marketing brief (meeting time, prime cost and quality critera)
- Plan, execute and review product development trials. These can be at any scale, from bench work to full scale factory trials.
- Present samples to marketing and translate feedback into recipe and/or process developments
- Producing draft product costs for comparative purposes
- Estimate costs of development work and track product development trials budgets against target, reviewing with line manager as appropriate.
- Support project manager and/or PDM in effective scheduling of project tasks and identification of resource requirements (time, money, people)
- Raise any technical or project related issues that might affect quality, cost or time of delivery with PDM
- Keep comprehensive records of all work carried out and report results as appropriate, following the standards and procedures of the design team.
- Brief and liaise with suppliers in line with SMT = R&D/Procurement strategies
- Complete and review Technical checklists and follow trial protocol within the npd process and plan appropriate interactions with key functions and stakeholders
- Complete product and ingredient specifications as appropriate
- Contribute to idea generation sessions and proactively generate branded product concepts in line with innovation strategies
- Work with colleagues to ensure that product development facilities are maintained to a safe and hygienic standard and operate using lean principles.
- Ensure that personal development plans are created, kept current and actioned as appropriate
Bring your experience.
Essential
- University degree level qualification in Food Science/Technology
- Proven experience of key manufacturing processes (snack, cake or biscuit), including process constraints is needed, as is a current validated understanding of ingredients, creative recipe development and bench scale techniques
- Courage to challenge and confident to prioritise, and know when to ask for help in a timely manner
- Creative approaches to problem solving
- Food presentation skills
- Driven with outstanding decision-making skills
- Basic understanding of health & safety requirements
- Strong understanding of food legislation
- Strong influencing and communication skills in English
Desirable
- Knowledge of regional pladis brands, business, key competitors and key markets
- Project management experience, including a good understanding of the roles and responsibilities of project team members
- Understanding brand essence and key performance indicators
- Proven experience of key manufacturing processes (snack, cake or biscuit), including process constraints is needed, as is a current validated understanding of ingredients, creative recipe development and bench scale techniques
What will the interview process be?
- 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
- 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 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.
