At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation.
Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week.
As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK.
Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.
Job Description
Valeo Foods UK is seeking a proactive and experienced Process Development Lead to drive NPD/EPD delivery, process improvements, and innovation across our manufacturing site.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Innovation
* Lead cross-functional teams to deliver private label and branded NPD/EPD projects on time.
* Champion process control (including SPC), innovation, and cost-saving initiatives.
* Drive new technologies and continuous improvement across site operations.
Process Development & Trials
* Coordinate and implement all product trials, ensuring clear procedures and successful launches.
* Manage trial documentation (shelf life, micro, taste panels, reports, batching, BOMs, recipe handover).
* Ensure smooth factory integration of new recipes and materials, with effective handover to operations.
* Liaise with suppliers/procurement for trial ingredients and sample provision.
* Provide accurate technical data for internal specifications and support troubleshooting on site.
Project & Customer Management
* Lead project activity from concept to launch, ensuring timelines and critical paths are met.
* Build strong customer relationships, leading pre-production meetings and launch coordination.
* Communicate effectively across departments and run regular stakeholder updates.
Qualifications
Qualifications
and knowledge
* Degree or equivalent in Food Science or related discipline or previous experience.
* Min 5 years’ experience in FMCG or similar environment, and with at least 3 years of managing teams
* HACCP Level 3 qualification
* Project management skills
Qualities and Experience
* A strong leader/influencer of people
* Excellent communication and presentation skills
* Great at building relationships internally and externally
* Knowledge of effective structures and team dynamics and training and development needs
* Up to date knowledge of technical advances and the changing consumer landscape.
* Passionate about helping people to be the best they can and experience in coaching and developing people
* Diligent and attention to detail focused
* Problem solving skills
* A drive to succeed
* Organized and able to both multi-task and prioritize effectively
Additional Information
Salary is £40,000- £50,000 dependent on experience.
What we offer you in return
* Matched pension scheme up to 10%
* Death in service
* Cycle to work scheme
* Canteen
* Retailer discount platform
* Staff discount