Senior R&D Manager (Patisserie)

TL;DR

Senior R&D Manager (Patisserie): Leading and developing a team of R&D professionals to create innovative patisserie food solutions with an accent on new product development and industrial scale-up. Focus on driving the innovation pipeline, optimizing R&D KPIs, and managing the full lifecycle from ideation to customer implementation.

Location: Fringford, United Kingdom (Onsite)

Company

hirify.global is a global leader in bakery, patisserie, and chocolate ingredients, providing innovative food solutions for health and well-being worldwide.

What you will do

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 6 R&D professionals to drive performance and collaboration.
• Define the strategic direction of the Patisserie R&D function, including innovation focus and resource allocation.
• Manage the full lifecycle of new product development for Cream Fillings and Decors, from ideation to industrial scale-up.
• Act as a technical point of contact (TPOC) for key accounts and collaborate with global teams at headquarters.
• Ensure compliance with UK food legislation and implement a data-driven approach to experimentation.
• Conduct hands-on work with laboratory and industrial equipment to transform ideas into scalable solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or an equivalent field.
• At least 10 years of experience in the food industry, specifically in Research or New Product Development.
• At least 5 years of experience in managing and leading teams.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the UK and abroad (approximately 40%).
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate and HACCP Level 3 certification.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and SAP tools.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme (5%).
• Company car or car allowance (£600 per month).
• Private healthcare (single coverage funded) and comprehensive pension scheme.
• 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
• Structured Learning & Development programs with a target of 5 learning days per year.
• Life insurance (2x salary) and access to the Perkbox discount platform.