Pilot Plant and Process Training Manager

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 dont 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 bepurpose-ledresilientandpositiveto succeed here because we expect pace andagility we insist oncollaborationand 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

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This role is based at our Hector Laing Development Centre in High Wycombe: HP12 4HJ

Site introduction:

What will this role achieve

Driving technical excellence innovation and capability development across R&D!

We are looking for a Pilot Plant and Process Training Manager to act as a key technical expert within our product development function. This role plays a central part in supporting breakthrough innovation shaping our health and wellness agenda collaborating with suppliers and strengthening process capability across the UK&I business.

Youll lead the Pilot Plant and Analytical Capability team ensuring equipment processes and resources are in place to deliver a smooth transition from concept to factory. As the main technical contact for complex manufacturing challenges youll work closely with R&D Supply Chain and site teams to resolve issues build capability and drive continuous improvement.

This role also includes ownership of training needs across R&D and crossfunctional partners developing future capability managing maintenance and upgrades and leading a team to deliver high performance and ongoing development.

What will be your key deliverables

• Lead collaborative innovation delivery partnering with R&D Supply Chain Commercialisation Insights Packaging and SQSE to land new products oversee scaleup and translate market and consumer trends into technical solutions.
• Drive value improvement supporting costsaving programmes evaluating key product attributes recommending changes to improve profitability and partnering with suppliers to validate opportunities.
• Ensure business continuity and quality providing technical expertise for CIM line transfers and issue resolution managing specification reviews and leading improvement plans.
• Build technical capability overseeing training across R&D developing people and processes strengthening pilot plant and analytical capability and acting as a visible ambassador for R&D.
• Provide strong leadership and team development managing a team of up to five colleagues supporting their growth nurturing talent pipelines and promoting a culture of innovation collaboration and high performance.

Bring your experience!

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Food Science Engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience in food manufacturing ideally within baked products or snacks.
• Proven experience leading projects and product launches including new formats technologies or equipment installations.
• Strong interpersonal teamwork and peopledevelopment skills.

Desirable

• Experience working with baked and savoury products.
• Previous R&D experience within a food manufacturing organisation

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

What will the interview process be

• Initial Telephone call with Talent Acquisition
• 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 businesss annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan
• Private medical Insurance
• Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return-to-work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
• 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
• Discounted gym membership Carlisle and Chiswick only
• Discount and Cashback Scheme make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands supermarkets and services
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial Wellbeing Support
• Access to great training and development opportunities

Our Values

Purpose led Were energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite

Agile Were ever evolving we never stand still always improving for our customers and our consumers.

Positive Were highly motivated optimistic courageous and we inspire each other to be better

Resilient - Were 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 were a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work thats 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.

Accessibility at High Wycombe: Our High Wycombe site has accessible entrances and lifts between floors to support individuals with mobility needs but currently does not have step-free access. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to receive other benefits and privileges of employment and where possible to perform key job functions.

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.