pladis Global
About the role
pladis is in a fortunate position to have some of the UK & Ireland’s most loved and consumed food brands in McVitie’s ™, Jaffa, Penguin, Mini Cheddars, Jacob’s, Carr’s etc. At pladis we believe in growing and stretching our teams.
pladis works in highly competitive, fast-moving markets where it is crucial to maintain and extend market share through profitable branded growth. It also has an exciting growth plan for emerging markets where offering the right value proposition is critical! Innovation through product development, continuous value improvement and consumer perceived Quality superiority v competition are critical and key to delivering the business targets.
As part of our ‘Future Leaders’ Graduate programme, demonstrating keen passion for food science and manufacturing and strong digital skills, the Product Development Manager role will be responsible for working on new product development, existing product development, and longer-term innovation projects. You will be accountable for all technical aspects of these projects, meeting the quality, cost and timings defined in the brief.
As a Product Development Manager, you are responsible for technical project management, recipe development and factory implementation planning. You will work closely with Marketing to interpret product briefs, apply your technical understanding and then work closely with Manufacturing to see the product through to launch.
Key accountabilities
- You will closely collaborate with partners to build and deliver appropriate solutions to defined technical hurdles.
- You will identify and communicate any technical hurdles, compile technical risk assessment and plan contingencies.
- You will identify opportunities to drive out cost via technology.
- You will deliver prototypes against key technology platforms to support our innovation pipeline and long-term growth.
- You will support business continuity projects through ingredient expertise.
- You will lead the development of bench samples, planning and running pilot plant and factory trials and presentation of samples to marketing.
- You will ensure that all work is carried out in a safe and hygienic manner, following factory or bakery good manufacturing practice guidelines and that all product developments conform to pladis’ policies.
- You will act as a role model for the team promoting high standards of work, and behaviours, and dealing with any issues, reporting to line manager as appropriate.
- You will work with colleagues to ensure that product development facilities are maintained to a safe and hygienic standard and operate using lean principles; drive for continuous improvement.
- You will keep comprehensive records of all work carried out and report results as appropriate, following the standards and procedures of the design team.
Person Specification
- Achieved or working towards a 2:2 or above in any Bachelor of Science degree
- Proactive approach to getting things done
- Continuously looking to improve with growth mindset
- Ability to analyse problems, create insight and propose innovative solutions
- Passion to work in partnership to achieve common goals
- Resilience when faced with setbacks and enthusiasm to achieve
- Ability to flex approach to ensure effective communication
- Motivation to drive career and seek experiences to support ambitions
- Passion and excitement for a career in the food industry
- Right to work in the UK
Location and Salary
This role will be based in High Wycombe with flexibility for travel to factories.
The starting salary is £30,000 with a joining bonus of £1,000 to help you prepare for the scheme, which includes moving and other expenses. This would need to be repaid should you decide to leave within 12 months of the programme.
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion is central to everything we do and is reflected across our business. pladis brings together brands and people from around the globe – and this diversity is our great strength.
We’re an equal opportunities employer and believe in fostering an inclusive environment where we celebrate diversity of thinking and respect everyone’s distinctive qualities and perspectives.
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.
Closing Deadline
The closing deadline for applications is midnight on Friday 29 April 2022.
Any questions?
If you have any questions or require any support with your application, please contact [email protected].
To apply for this job please visit pladis.groupgti.com.