Job Description Ernest Jackson & Co Ltd exists to make healthcare easier by developing, manufacturing, and marketing products that improve everyday lives. As part of the Mondelez family, we combine trusted heritage with innovation - turning ideas into real-world solutions that consumers can rely on. The Group Leader R&D is a key leadership role at Ernest Jackson - at the heart of our innovation journey. You'll have overall responsibility for Product & Process Development as well as working with regulatory partners to ensure we stay ahead of the foods and medicines regulatory landscape. This role requires inspiring leadership, scientific expertise, and commercial acumen to motivate a multi-disciplinary development team (7 direct reports) and deliver against a c. £1.5m budget. Your decisions will shape the future of Ernest Jackson and drive products with a sustainable competitive edge. What you'll be doing: - Lead, coach and inspire a diverse R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement. - Use project management discipline to keep priorities clear and aligned with business goals. - Balance growth projects with sustaining compliance and efficiency across the existing portfolio. - Bring "outside-in" thinking - challenging the status quo and leveraging external insights to strengthen our competitive advantage. - Act as gatekeeper in our project process - ensuring standards are met, resources are well allocated, and stakeholders are aligned. - Ensure all products comply with Mondelez MEU and pharmaceutical GMP standards. - Demonstrate strong financial control: own R&D budgets, track KPIs, and ensure resources are deployed in the most cost-effective way. - Communicate progress clearly through roadmaps and KPIs to keep senior stakeholders engaged and informed. What we're looking for: - Degree or equivalent in a scientific or engineering field. - Strong project and change management experience. - Proven leadership with the ability to engage employees at all levels. - Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills. - Influential communicator able to simplify complex technical challenges for senior stakeholders. - Commercial acumen with a track record of balancing scientific rigour with business growth. - Line management and coaching experience. - Passion for driving innovation in a highly regulated, fast-paced environment. Why join us? This is more than just a job - it's a once-in-a-career opportunity to revolutionize how healthcare products are delivered. You'll: - Have full leadership accountability across R&D projects, budgets, and people. - Work in an innovation-driven environment where your ideas and decisions directly shape the future. - Gain visibility across the Mondelez global network with opportunities to influence beyond Ernest Jackson. - Be part of a culture that values sustainability, innovation, and integrity. Relocation Support Available? No Relocation support available Business Unit Summary We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply! Our people make all the difference in our succes Mondelez International is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Excited to grow your career? We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply! IF YOU REQUIRE SUPPORT TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION OR DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS, PLEASE CONTACT THE RECRUITER Job Type Regular Project and Program Management Business Capability At Mondelez International, our purpose is to empower people to snack right through offering the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way. That means delivering a broader range of delicious, high-quality snacks that nourish life's moments, made with sustainable ingredients and packaging that consumers can feel good about. We have a rich portfolio of strong brands - both global and local. Including many household names such as Oreo, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. We are proud to hold the number 1 position globally in biscuits, chocolate and candy as well as the No. 2 position in gum Our 80,000 Makers and Bakers are located in our operations in more than 80 countries and are working to sell our products in over 150 countries around the world. They are energized for growth and critical to us living our purpose and values. We are a diverse community that can make things happen, and happen fast. Join us and Make It An Opportunity! Mondelez Global LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact 847-943-5460 for assistance.