Research & Development Technologist
Pontefract (WF8 2JS) (Home of Butterkist Popcorn)
Predominately on-site, with the opportunity to work from home once or twice a week, depending on priorities.
Join our snack-loving team
We’re looking for a Research & Development Technologist to join us at KP Snacks. If you’re ready to bring your ideas to the table, grow your skills and be part of a team that values what makes you, you – this could be your next big move.
About the role
This is an exciting role at the heart of product innovation, helping to shape the future of snacking across KP Snacks’ popcorn brand and retailer portfolios. Reporting to the Product Development Manager, you’ll support the development of new products, optimise existing ranges and help turn creative ideas into high‑quality, commercially viable snacks.
You’ll work closely with colleagues across R&D, Technical, Operations, Marketing and Procurement, contributing to everything from bench development and prototyping to factory trials and first production runs. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about food, curious, collaborative and ready to grow their career in product development.
What’s in it for you?
We believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Here’s a flavour of what we offer:
Annual bonus scheme, with a strong track record of overachievement
Comprehensive healthcare support – including Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, Digital GP, Best Doctors second opinion service and specialist cancer care
KP Pension Plan – contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
25 days holiday, plus the option to buy more
KP4ME – our online platform for benefits, discounts, wellbeing tools and more
What will you be doing?
Developing new and improved products
Creating prototypes, delivering development for innovation, reformulation and value engineering, and supporting scale‑up into factory production
Planning and running factory trials
Working with site teams to prepare for and execute trials, ensuring products meet quality, operational and cost targets
Managing samples and documentation
Preparing high‑quality product samples and completing development records in line with R&D governance and stage‑gate processes
Conducting sensory and benchmarking analysis
Comparing KP Snacks products with market and own‑label competitors, using insights to guide quality and development decisions
Collaborating across our business and supply base
Working with key functions, supporting customer and supplier relationships, and representing R&D during visits and meetings
Who are we?
We’re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. Across more than 30 countries, over 15,000 of us work together to make the snacks people love – from Hula Hoops to McCoy’s. In the UK, we’re a team of around 2,400 colleagues, based across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We’re proud of our close-knit culture, where we speak up, celebrate differences and push boundaries together.
We’re committed to inclusion
We’re building a workplace where everyone belongs. If you don’t tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you – your unique perspective could be just what we need. And if there’s anything we can do to make the process easier for you, just let us know.
We’d love to hear from you if you can bring:
Experience in product development (preferable)
Ideally with exposure to product development, factory trials or technical processes
Experience in an FMCG environment (preferable)
Helpful but not essential if you can demonstrate relevant technical or product development experience
A science‑based degree or similar qualification (preferable)
Ideally in Food Science, Food Technology or another relevant scientific field, but practical experience is just as valuable
Strong project coordination skills
Able to manage multiple priorities and deliver to agreed timelines
A collaborative and solutions‑focused mindset
Confident working with cross‑functional teams across different sites
Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills
Accurate, organised and committed to maintaining high standards
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