MISSION Do you have the appetite to Grow Your Magic? For Puratos UK, based in Fringford, we are looking for a R&D Manager - Patisserie. The R&D Manager role works to future proof our business by investigating the latest innovations in raw materials and technologies and applying those insights to create best in class customer solutions. The R&D Manager will create a broad network of external and internal connections to lead thought leadership in their specific field. Together with Senior R&D Managers, they contribute to the future of the SBU and strategy for their business unit. Key Accountabilities New product development and innovations: Providing technical expertise on ingredient selection, sourcing, and functionality Creating product formulations based on customer briefs (internal and external). Creating and improving our products across Wet and Dry manufacturing platforms Leading the scale-up and process improvement of products in our Plants including the sign-off of first productions. Designing and making products and concepts with precision and repeatability Producing lab samples (when required) & prototypes for customer trialing. Shelf-life testing and validation of products. Facilitate product post launch reviews. Network building: Become a recognised thought leader for ingredients within Puratos UK. Operating in a cross-functional team with our Marketing, Operations and Sales colleagues Represent Puratos UK at Industry events Record and share knowledge gained from professional bodies and other network activities. Build and share knowledge and experience: Understanding what, why and how to use raw materials to create and ameliorate. Understanding the market; knowing plant, products, and people. Have fluency with the UK’s food legislation landscape and how it could change. Use scientific methodology, understanding how to discover objectively and repeatably. Have familiarity with the equipment that turns ideas into reality, in the lab and on plant. Cover for senior R&D Manager when required Delight customers: Working with our customers to understand their needs and resolve their technical problems. Proactive, professional, and confident communications with our teams and customers. Offer proactive solutions to customer needs. - Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) for specified customer accounts. Develop inspirational finished goods and concepts: Translating the customer and market needs into concept products. Accurate record keeping, ensuring full traceability of process. Working well with all site team members including, but not limited to, Technical, Production and Quality teams; with a priority on clear and proactive communications and a collaborative approach to problem solving. WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? Are you driven by curiosity and a commitment to environmental challenges? Do you excel in resilience, mindful disruption, and scientific rigor? We are seeking an individual who: Commits to tackling environmental issues, especially resource management Curiously explore new information and innovative uses for existing resources Humbly share knowledge to enrich others Disrupt conventions mindfully to drive change Resiliently learn and try again, regardless of success or failure Disciplined in using scientific methods to solve problems Has a minimum of 5 years’ experience Be able to travel in the UK and occasionally abroad (20% on average) Be open to flexible working hours Be computer literate (primary usage: Microsoft Office Suite) Hold a Food Hygiene level 3 Certificate Have a drivers’ license WHY WOULD YOU JOIN PURATOS? You will be welcomed in a dynamic, entrepreneurial work environment where passion for innovation, team spirit and continuous improvement are key. You will have responsibilities and the possibility to take ownership of your work and grow yourself. In addition, you can count on attractive benefits such as: A competitive salary package which is reviewed on an annual basis A 5% bonus A company car or cash allowance BUPA healthcare, single cover paid by Puratos with the option to add family members at a cost to you Pension – up to 7.5% employer contributions Life Assurance – 2 x salary and 20% spouse pension Perkbox – online discount platform and wellbeing Hub Cycle to Work scheme Rewarding career and growth potential worldwide Continuous training in product technology and business principles Are you ready to join and Grow Your Magic? Watch our corporate movie and feel the Puratos Magic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNRsBzuRlNI About Puratos Puratos has been developing innovative products for the bakery, patisserie and chocolate industry since 1919, the group’s annual turnover now exceeds 3€ billion. We believe that Food innovation is energy for good. That is why we are constantly striving to grow our positive impact with the creation of innovative food solutions that promote health & well-being and steadily move businesses, customers, people, and the planet forward. We help customers be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities. Together, we improve the lives of people and protect the planet.