The Senior R&D Technologist – Soups & Innovation sits within R&D for the Heinz Brand in the UK&I BU Mealz Business (including export). The role leads technically large and/or highly complex projects through the company development process, driving robust technical plans, cross-functional delivery, and high product quality standards. This position is accountable for coaching and performance management of junior technologists, partnering closely with Marketing, Commercial, Operations, and suppliers to deliver against agreed briefs and timelines. You’ll be working in a high performing team, alongside peers always trying to reach the next level. You’ll be reporting to the Senior R&D Manager UK&I. This role communicates very strongly with internal senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Lead complex technical projects end-to-end
Lead technically large and/or highly complex projects through the company process.
Partner with cross-functional teams, challenge decisions as appropriate, anticipate risks, and define mitigations or pivot opportunities.
Execute prototyping, development, and validation
Execute prototyping and product development in line with the agreed brief and experimental plan.
Carry out required analytical and validation tests to support product and process readiness.
Collaborate with and leverage strategic suppliers to drive efficiency in insights, prototyping, and development.
Own technical project planning and delivery
Create, own, and deliver the technical project plan, including execution milestones and dependencies.
Contribute to and align other functions’ activities within the overall project plan; drive timely completion of cross-functional actions.
Ensure product quality and consumer experience
Ensure product quality standards and organoleptic properties are met or overdelivered.
Deliver products that provide an exceptional consumer experience and meet defined technical and quality requirements.
Drive ideation and value creation
Generate and develop ideas and new processes that support innovation, renovation, regulatory compliance, and value creation.
People leadership and capability building
Manage, coach, and mentor product technologists to support growth, capability, and performance in role.
Support direct reports through annual growth and development processes (including performance and development planning).
Budget and resource management
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or MSc in Food Science & Technology (or equivalent in a related field such as Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering).
5+ years of experience in Product Development within the food industry.
3+ years of experience managing a small team of technologists
Ability to deal with complex projects and build effective partnerships with other functions
Consumer & customer focus.
Ability to translate science & technology into consumers solutions, strategic thinking
Creative & energetic, flexible & pragmatic, resilient.
Strong communication skills, influencing and presentation skills.
Excellent communication in English
Professional Attributes
What we offer you / You deserve
What we offer you
An ambitious employer with an industry-recognised career development pathway
A meritocratic, pay for performance approach
A fun, collaborative office culture that celebrates good food and good times with regular events and socials
An active network of Business Resource Groups, sponsored by leadership, that promote education, celebration, & allyship, helping to create an inclusive work environment
Flexible and hybrid working approach, including ability to work from abroad
Family-friendly; market leading parental leave benefits & sponsored nursery scheme
Wellbeing
Private medical cover & Digital GP
Comprehensive Life Assurance & Group Income Protection
Exclusive gym discounts & cycle to work scheme
Premium membership to Calm App
A variety of amazing sports teams & clubs!
3 volunteering days per year (e.g. Soup Kitchen, Magic Breakfast)
