Head of R&D

As we continue to grow (including across Central & Eastern Europe and new acquisitions) were looking for a Head of R&D Sweets to lead inspire and elevate our innovation and delivery across the portfolio.

This is a high-impact highly visible leadership role one that blends strategy delivery and people leadership. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and love turning ideas into products that consumers love youll feel right at home here.

This is a broad high-impact leadership role across all confectionery R&D covering both Valeo brands and retailer brands in the UK and CEE.

At its heart your role is simple: set the standard drive delivery lead innovation and build a brilliant team.

In practice that means youll:

• Set the tone for R&D bringing the right balance of creativity rigour and discipline
• Keep the pipeline moving ensuring innovation renovation and productivity projects land on time and with pace
• Own the innovation agenda shaping the sweets strategy and weaving ESG into everything we do
• Lead and grow the team building capability coaching talent and creating a high-performing environment

Alongside that youll:

• Work closely with Brand Marketing and Commercial teams to bring great ideas to life
• Partner with customers and stakeholders to stay ahead of changing needs
• Strengthen how we deliver projects through clear structured governance
• Make sure new launches work not just on paper but in our factories
• Stay plugged into the outside world spotting trends technologies and new ideas worth exploring

Qualifications :

Were looking for someone who combines technical depth commercial thinking and inspiring leadership.

Youll likely bring:

• A degree in Food Science or a related discipline
• Strong experience across the full R&D lifecycle from insight to delivery and measurement
• A proven track record of leading teams and delivering tangible business results
• Experience working cross-functionally and influencing senior stakeholders 
• A background in food or confectionery R&D ideally within a fast-paced environment

And just as importantly you are:

• A leader who can align motivate and challenge
• Commercially minded able to connect data with real-world business impact
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels
• A natural collaborator who can say what needs to be saidand bring people with you
• Someone who thrives on change pace and continuous improvement
• Passionate about building teams that are better tomorrow than today

Additional Information :

This is a chance to step into a true leadership role with breadth visibility and influencewhere youll shape not just products but how we work as a business.

Youll join a company thats growing evolving and full of opportunity with the backing to bring big ideas to life.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time