R&D Category Leader Specialities

Purpose of the Role

This role is based in UK, Ashby-de-la-Zouch - Home of KP Snacks’ Hula Hoops, popchips, Nik Naks, and more.

The R&D Category Leader owns the product innovation strategy for the assigned category and co‑creates the category innovation roadmap in close partnership with the European Marketing Category Lead. The role provides technical leadership to deliver a sustainable 3‑year innovation pipeline, ensure in‑market quality, and drive value creation across the Group. The Specialities category includes direct extruded (H&L pressure), compress popping and pellets.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the category product innovation strategy with Marketing

• Build and deliver a 3‑year sustainable innovation pipeline

• Translate consumer, market and competitive insights into product opportunities

• Steer product and process development in line with the IMAGINE process

• Lead technical feasibility, risk, IP and resource assessments

• Ensure in‑market quality, specifications implementation and compliance

• Drive BFY / regulatory‑compliant transformation and responsible manufacturing

• Identify productivity and value‑engineering opportunities

• Lead the team and develop their technical, managerial skills and capabilities.

• Steer external technical partners and key suppliers

Job Requirements

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering or similar

• Extensive experience in FMCG food R&D, international environment preferred

• Strong expertise in product development, formulation, sensory & process technologies

• Proven experience leading R&D innovation projects and teams

• Strategic thinker with strong hands‑on execution mindset

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

• Fluent English and willingness to travel internationally

• Willing to be based in UK
  

About us

Intersnack has become one of Europe’s leading savory snacks producers by ‘creating happy snacking moments’ in people’s lives. Being privately owned, we operate with a long-term view and commit ourselves to a more sustainable world. Successfully and sustainably growing, our turnover in 2024 was more than €4.5 bn. We are now present in more than 30 countries across Europe and beyond. We have 12 regional Management Units, 45 production sites, and a total workforce of approximately 15,000 people worldwide.

What we will offer

An enjoyable, broad and fulfilling role with one of Europe’s biggest savory snacks producers. The chance to grow in an environment that values teamwork and collaboration, as well recognized to your individuality, welcoming your views, and celebrating your growth. Naturally we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, but also the opportunity to stand out for your professionalism and performance, moving forward in a challenging environment that supports each individual team member to achieve their very best. And a place to securely develop your career as part of a business that cares about the wellbeing of all its people and understands that work-life balance is fundamental to success. At Intersnack, we value and cherish diversity for the power and potential it creates. We have extraordinary team spirit, empower our people to take ownership for what they do and challenge each other to improve. Because we know that, to become a big player, you need to master being a team player first.

Our values and behaviors are important to how we work, and they define our culture, they are:

Thinking responsibly

Acting entrepreneurially

Growing together

Please upload your application documents in English only!

Job based in the UK, preference in Ashby or around.