FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies is a leading biscuit manufacturer formed by the merger of Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits. We produce iconic brands such as Maryland, Fox's, Jammie Dodger & Rocky, and manufacture our products across eight bakeries in the UK.
Location: Edinburgh, GB. Workplace: On‐site. Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week. Shift: Bakery.
About The Role
As Test Bakery Manager you will be leading the development of our biscuits to support the ambition of our UK brands and retail own label customer strategies and growth plans. You will be responsible for the creation and delivery of category leading concepts specific to the Test Bakery you will be overseeing, and for the management and development of a team based at one of our four test bakeries.
Main Responsibilities
* Driving the development of products from initial concept to handover to the Industrialisation team
* Working with the other TBMs to ensure consistency of output and a continuous improvement culture
* Correct and accurate completion of documentation by the Team for all activity
* Timely and accurate reporting of KPIs, working with the Head of Test Bakeries to deliver reports back to the business
* Ensuring the company is at the forefront of innovation and aware of new competitor launches and current food trends
* Ensuring all new products are developed in line with product briefs and that they are commercial, costed accurately, and do not create undue complexity in the bakeries
* Taking ownership of the Test Bakery process, supporting the Stage and Gate process, by putting in clear and workable processes
* Modifying existing products aligned to VE, biscuit rationalisation, sugar reduction etc
* Putting in place clear ways of working for the Test Bakery team so they understand what good looks like
* Working hands on in the test bakery where required
* Ensuring that all developments are well communicated to all internal functions
* Ensuring all products are presented to the internal and external customers in a professional manner, demonstrating your product and process knowledge and expertise
* Managing the Test Bakery team effectively, supporting, directing and motivating them; providing regular appraisals and training plans
* Maintaining a close working relationship with the RB&P, R&D Brand Development, Industrialisation and Packaging teams
* Driving the Raw Material innovation agenda to investigate, review and test new materials
* Liaising with suppliers to maintain an up-to-date market knowledge
* Conducting store visits on a regular basis to stay abreast of competitor development
* Carrying out benchmarking on a regular basis and coordinating regular benchmarking exercise on core ranges / seasonal events for use across all retailers
Who We Are Looking For
* A foodie at heart – a sweet tooth essential!
* Food science or development degree or pastry chef trained
* Keen interest in newness in the sweet goods category
* Experience in a commercial bakery environment
* Experience managing a team
* Good working knowledge of bakery raw materials
* Passion for creativity and innovation
* Inquisitive, continuous improvement mindset
* Ability to deliver consistent, high quality samples and concepts
* Proven track record in maintaining good working relationships
* Good presentation skills (written & verbal)
* Strong analytical skills
* Good IT skills
* Works well under pressure / under time constraints
* Self‑starter, self‑motivating with a good understanding of the broader business
* Proven track record of delivering multiple complex projects
* Excellent interpersonal skills
* Great communicator
* Willingness to work outside of core hours and away from the Batley site as and when required
Diversity Statement
FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at FBC UK. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.
Additional Information
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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