R&D LEAD – INGREDIENTS PRODUCTIVITY LEAD

Histon, Cambridge (Hybrid) | Permanent, Full-time
FMCG | Food Manufacturing | Innovation | Cost Savings | R&D
Are you passionate about product innovation and delivering cost-effective solutions in a fast-paced FMCG environment? We’re looking for an experienced R&D Manager – Ingredients Productivity Lead to join our dynamic team based at our Histon site in Cambridge (with hybrid working available).
In this critical role, you’ll drive and lead strategic cost-saving initiatives across our product portfolio—working hand-in-hand with NPD, R&D, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to identify, develop and implement value-driven ingredient and product optimisations without compromising on quality.

What You’ll Be Doing – Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate ingredient functionality, recipes, and manufacturing processes for cost-saving and efficiency opportunities
• Lead cross-functional ideation sessions to generate and assess ideas for productivity improvements
• Design and deliver end-to-end cost-saving projects—from formulation and prototyping to pilot and plant trials, specifications, and shelf-life studies
• Support Packaging R&D programs by ensuring product/package compatibility and technical alignment
• Manage commercialization by working with RDQI, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to implement projects successfully into production
• Own and lead projects through all stages—chartering, planning, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and delivery
• Serve as the key technical liaison across departments (e.g., Manufacturing, Brand, Supply Chain) to align on program goals
• Perform bench work, develop test methods, set specification limits, and support trial activities
• Analyze project data and make informed recommendations to maximize ROI and business impact
• Regularly update senior R&D managers and key stakeholders on project status and outcomes

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Experience in FMCG food manufacturing and R&D
• Degree in Food Science or 15+ years’ relevant industry experience
• Strong background in ingredient functionality, recipe reformulation, and process optimization
• Demonstrated project leadership across cross-functional teams
• Hands-on experience in benchtop prototyping, pilot/plant trials, and specification development
• Working knowledge of Design to Consumer Value (DTCV) principles
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to simplify complex technical challenges
• Effective written and verbal communication, data presentation, and stakeholder influencing skills
• Comfortable applying experimental design, basic statistics, and conducting sensory evaluations
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• A collaborative mindset with an interest in exploring new technologies and innovations

What can we offer you?

• Competitive salary / rate of pay
• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holiday
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• A day off work to support our charity partners
• Flexible working options
• Pension
• Medical benefit
• And access to a HUB that offers many discounts from a range of suppliers and retailers

OUR PURPOSE

To inspire healthier living for people, communities & the planet through better-for-you brands

What You’ll Be Doing – Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate ingredient functionality, recipes, and manufacturing processes for cost-saving and efficiency opportunities
• Lead cross-functional ideation sessions to generate and assess ideas for productivity improvements
• Design and deliver end-to-end cost-saving projects—from formulation and prototyping to pilot and plant trials, specifications, and shelf-life studies
• Support Packaging R&D programs by ensuring product/package compatibility and technical alignment
• Manage commercialization by working with RDQI, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to implement projects successfully into production
• Own and lead projects through all stages—chartering, planning, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and delivery
• Serve as the key technical liaison across departments (e.g., Manufacturing, Brand, Supply Chain) to align on program goals
• Perform bench work, develop test methods, set specification limits, and support trial activities
• Analyze project data and make informed recommendations to maximize ROI and business impact
• Regularly update senior R&D managers and key stakeholders on project status and outcome