R&D Lead – Ingredients Productivity Lead Histon, Cambridge (Hybrid) | Permanent, Full-time FMCG | Food Manufacturing | Innovation | Cost Savings | R&D Are you passionate about product innovation and delivering cost-effective solutions in a fast-paced FMCG environment? We’re looking for an experienced R&D Manager – Ingredients Productivity Lead to join our dynamic team based at our Histon site in Cambridge (with hybrid working available). In this critical role, you’ll drive and lead strategic cost-saving initiatives across our product portfolio—working hand-in-hand with NPD, R&D, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to identify, develop and implement value-driven ingredient and product optimisations without compromising on quality. What You’ll Be Doing – Key Responsibilities Identify and evaluate ingredient functionality, recipes, and manufacturing processes for cost-saving and efficiency opportunities Lead cross-functional ideation sessions to generate and assess ideas for productivity improvements Design and deliver end-to-end cost-saving projects—from formulation and prototyping to pilot and plant trials, specifications, and shelf-life studies Support Packaging R&D programs by ensuring product/package compatibility and technical alignment Manage commercialization by working with RDQI, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to implement projects successfully into production Own and lead projects through all stages—chartering, planning, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and delivery Serve as the key technical liaison across departments (e.g., Manufacturing, Brand, Supply Chain) to align on program goals Perform bench work, develop test methods, set specification limits, and support trial activities Analyze project data and make informed recommendations to maximize ROI and business impact Regularly update senior R&D managers and key stakeholders on project status and outcomes What You’ll Need to Succeed Experience in FMCG food manufacturing and R&D Degree in Food Science or 15 years’ relevant industry experience Strong background in ingredient functionality, recipe reformulation, and process optimization Demonstrated project leadership across cross-functional teams Hands-on experience in benchtop prototyping, pilot/plant trials, and specification development Working knowledge of Design to Consumer Value (DTCV) principles Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to simplify complex technical challenges Effective written and verbal communication, data presentation, and stakeholder influencing skills Comfortable applying experimental design, basic statistics, and conducting sensory evaluations Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment A collaborative mindset with an interest in exploring new technologies and innovations What can we offer you? Competitive salary / rate of pay 25 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holiday Option to purchase additional annual leave A day off work to support our charity partners Flexible working options Pension Medical benefit And access to a HUB that offers many discounts from a range of suppliers and retailers About The Hain Celestial Group Hain Celestial Group is a leading health and wellness company whose purpose is to inspire healthier living for people, communities and the planet through better-for-you brands. For more than 30 years, our portfolio of beloved brands has intentionally focused on delivering nutrition and well-being that positively impacts today and tomorrow. Headquartered in Hoboken, N.J., Hain Celestial’s products across snacks, baby/kids, beverages, meal preparation, and personal care, are marketed and sold in over 75 countries around the world. Our leading brands include Garden Veggie™ snacks, Terra® chips, Garden of Eatin’® snacks, Earth’s Best® and Ella’s Kitchen® baby and kids foods, Celestial Seasonings® teas, Joya® and Natumi® plant-based beverages, Greek Gods® yogurt, Cully & Sully®, Imagine® and New Covent Garden® soups, Yves® and Linda McCartney’s® (under license) meat-free, and Alba Botanica® natural sun care, among others. Hain Celestial Group UK In the UK, Hain is one of the UK's leading food companies. We create food and drink products with natural goodness at their core. We're the business behind a host of household brands - Hartley's jams and jellies, Sun-Pat peanut butters, New Covent Garden Soup Co., Linda McCartney's meat free food, and Yorkshire Provender to name a few. Nearly half of our business is private label - we create quality freshly prepared fruit and juices, desserts, soups, sweet spreads and meat free products for our retail partners. Over our sites up and down the UK, we employ circa 1,200 people in roles within Production, Supply Chain, Product Development, Sales and Marketing, and through to our Finance, HR, IT and beyond. Each of our colleagues is vital to our continued success. That's why we target the best talent, and help to develop them through the ranks. Our Values Own It – I am empowered and accountable for improving Hain’s business results and impact Win Together – I collaborate with others to grow, deliver and celebrate success. Foster Inclusion – I create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued for their uniqueness. Be Curious – I explore ideas & insights with a growth mindset. Our Purpose To inspire healthier living for people, communities & the planet through better-for-you brands Our Mission To build purpose-driven brands that make healthier living more attainable by empowering our people, engaging our partners, and living our lives. If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you in the right way. If Hain sounds like the company you'd like to contribute your energy and enthusiasm towards, and come on an exciting journey with us, then we can't wait to hear from you! Qualifications Benefits Not Specified