R&D Associate Manager - Soups & Innovation

The R&D Associate Manager – Soups & Innovation sits within R&D for the Heinz Brand in the UK&I BU Mealz Business (including export). The role combines Commercial Team Collaboration, Technical Team Management and 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 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 R&D Lead UK&I.

This role communicates very strongly with internal senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Soup & Innovation Pipeline Management & Collaboration with Commercial Leaders Shape and grow the category pipeline through business processes working cross functionally with Insights, Category Development and Marketing. Ownership of technical pipeline delivery for the category. People leadership and capability building Manage, coach, and mentor product technologists to build growth, capability, and high performance performance in role.

Support direct reports through annual growth and development processes (including performance and development planning). 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. Budget and resource management Create and manage budgets for projects and/or departmental needs.

Coordinate resources to enable delivery of commitments across the portfolio.

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 : Commercial Capability Understanding of commercial business aspects into all Technical/Innovation Projects.

Consideration and understanding of strategic impacts and financial impacts of decisions taken. Team player Fast integration in the team. High performance team mentality. You connect easily with people and feel motivated by international environment and experience different cultures. Ability to Simplify Your ability to simplify and pragmatism will be highly appreciated, as your capability to translate complex data into a simple solution with your analytical mindset .

Multitasking Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work. Willing to work in a high pressure but rewarding environment. Technical expertise Possess strong technical functional skills, champion in with routines, processes, WoW, methodologies; suggest changes and improvements.

Independent and Influencer High degree of autonomy and ownership, open to give coaching and bring people along the journey.

What we offer

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)