Overview
Research & Development Technologist – Pontefract (Home of Butterkist Popcorn). Hybrid.
Join our snack-loving team! We're looking for a Research & Development Technologist to join our team at KP Snacks. This R&D Technologist role sits at the heart of the KP Snacks Research & Development team and offers the opportunity to shape the future of snacking. Working across product category teams, you’ll support the creation and optimisation of innovative, high-quality products that delight consumers and align with our sustainability goals. With a passion for food design, you’ll develop technical and consumer insight to help bring new product concepts to life—from initial idea through to factory trials and final market launch.
You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Technical, Commercial, Procurement and Insights, as well as suppliers and manufacturing sites. Responsibilities include hands-on product development, trial execution, benchmarking and sample preparation, all while maintaining compliance with safety, quality, cost and efficiency standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to contribute to an ambitious, values-led business, with scope to develop their skills and technical expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.
What’s in it for you?
We believe in giving back and making sure you’re happy and thriving. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
* Comprehensive Healthcare Support – Medicash Health Cash Plan, including Digital GP, Best Doctors (Second Medical Opinion Service), and specialist Cancer Care.
* KP Pension Plan - contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
* 25 days holiday + holiday buy scheme
* KP4ME online benefits, discounts, prizes, competitions and wellbeing information and tools
What will you be doing?
* Drive hands-on product development, creating and refining snack concepts from bench work through to full-scale factory trials.
* Bring innovative, consumer-loved products to market while balancing creativity with manufacturing feasibility and cost-efficiency.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, Technical, Marketing and Procurement, playing a key role in a supportive, fast-paced environment.
* Contribute to KP Snacks’ People & Planet goals, ensuring products are delicious and aligned with sustainability and compliance standards.
* Gain valuable experience across the full product lifecycle, with opportunities to grow technical expertise, develop commercial awareness and contribute to strategic projects.
Who are we?
We’re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. Over 15,000 people across more than 30 countries work to create the snacks you love, from Hula Hoops to McCoy’s. In the UK, we’re about 2,400 strong across seven factories and our Slough HQ. We’re a close-knit team that values speaking our minds, celebrating differences, and pushing boundaries together.
Diversity isn’t just a buzzword—we’re on a mission to create a workplace where everyone belongs. If you don’t tick every box, we still want to hear from you. If there’s anything we can do to make the process easier, just let us know.
We’d love to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:
* Brings a strong foundation in food science, product development or food processing, with a curiosity for flavour, consumer behaviour and innovation.
* Applies solid technical, analytical and creative skills to deliver accurate and effective product development, while supporting the wider team through collaboration, clear communication and problem-solving.
* Demonstrates transferable experience across product lifecycles, ideally with experience in consumer goods and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across functions like Marketing and Supply Chain.
* Project management, packaging or European market experience is a plus, but we welcome applications from individuals who meet most, not all, of the criteria – we value potential and mindset.
* Aligns with KP’s values through a proactive, can-do attitude, strong interpersonal skills and a passion for continuous improvement, teamwork and consumer-led thinking.
Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
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