R&D Manager International & F10K/Breakfast

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Date: 15 Jul 2026

Location: Barnsley, GB

Company: Premier Foods

Based - Carlton

Permanent, Full Time

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

 

 

At Premier Foods, we're passionate about creating food that people love. From iconic brands such as Mr Kipling, Cadbury Cakes, Ambrosia and Fuel10K, we're constantly innovating to bring exciting new products to consumers both in the UK and around the world.

 

We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded R&D Manager to lead the development of our International Cake portfolio, UK Ambient Breakfast category and Fuel10K brand. This is a fantastic opportunity for a people-focused R&D leader who thrives on turning consumer and business insight into successful innovation, renovation and value-engineering programmes.

 

As R&D Manager, you'll lead a team of talented technologists and take ownership of delivering a diverse portfolio of innovation and renovation projects from concept through to launch. You'll work closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, Technical and external manufacturing partners to ensure products delight consumers, meet commercial objectives and are delivered seamlessly from kitchen to shelf.

 

What you'll be doing?

  • Leading the innovation, renovation and capability roadmap across International, Breakfast and Fuel10K portfolios
  • Translating consumer, customer and business requirements into robust product development plans
  • Delivering projects to agreed cost, quality, margin and timing targets
  • Leading and developing a high-performing team of technologists
  • Building capability through coaching, mentoring and succession planning
  • Managing projects from concept, development and scale-up through to launch
  • Partnering with internal manufacturing sites and third-party manufacturers to deliver technical excellence
  • Supporting international product adaptation whilst ensuring brand consistency and regulatory compliance
  • Driving continuous improvement, sustainability and ESG principles across product development activities
  • Acting as the key technical expert within cross-functional project teams

 

What we need from you?

We're keen to hear from passionate food innovators who combine strong technical expertise with people leadership capability.

You'll ideally have:

  • A degree in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline
  • Significant experience in food product development within FMCG
  • A proven track record of delivering complex innovation and renovation projects
  • Previous line management experience with the ability to coach, develop and inspire teams
  • Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, ingredients and scale-up principles
  • Experience working with manufacturing partners and suppliers
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Knowledge of HACCP, food safety standards and regulatory requirements
  • A creative, curious and consumer-focused approach to problem solving

 

Experience within bakery, breakfast, ambient food categories or international product development would be particularly advantageous.

 

What we offer you in return?

  • Competitive salary and bonus
  • Up to 7.5% pension
  • Private medical insurance and life assurance
  • Sharesave scheme and the option to purchase additional holiday
  • Extensive learning and development opportunities
  • Access to a wide employee discount scheme

 

Ready to apply?

Click Apply and submit your CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

 

 

 

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.