Ernest Jackson & Co Ltd exists to make healthcare easier by developing, manufacturing, and marketing products that improve everyday lives.
As part of the Mondelēz family, we combine trusted heritage with innovation - turning ideas into real-world solutions that consumers can rely on.
The Group Leader R&D is a key leadership role at Ernest Jackson - at the heart of our innovation journey.
You'll have overall responsibility for Product & Process Development as well as working with regulatory partners to ensure we stay ahead of the foods and medicines regulatory landscape.
This role requires inspiring leadership, scientific expertise, and commercial acumen to motivate a multi-disciplinary development team (7 direct reports) and deliver against a c. £1.5m budget. Your decisions will shape the future of Ernest Jackson and drive products with a sustainable competitive edge.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead, coach and inspire a diverse R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement.
- Use project management discipline to keep priorities clear and aligned with business goals.
- Balance growth projects with sustaining compliance and efficiency across the existing portfolio.
- Bring "outside-in" thinking - challenging the status quo and leveraging external insights to strengthen our competitive advantage.
- Act as gatekeeper in our project process - ensuring standards are met, resources are well allocated, and stakeholders are aligned.
- Ensure all products comply with Mondelēz MEU and pharmaceutical GMP standards.
- Demonstrate strong financial control: own R&D budgets, track KPIs, and ensure resources are deployed in the most cost-effective way.
- Communicate progress clearly through roadmaps and KPIs to keep senior stakeholders engaged and informed.
What we're looking for:
- Degree or equivalent in a scientific or engineering field.
- Strong project and change management experience.
- Proven leadership with the ability to engage employees at all levels.
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Influential communicator able to simplify complex technical challenges for senior stakeholders.
- Commercial acumen with a track record of balancing scientific rigour with business growth.
- Line management and coaching experience.
- Passion for driving innovation in a highly regulated, fast-paced environment.
Why join us?
This is more than just a job - it's a once-in-a-career opportunity to revolutionize how healthcare products are delivered.
You'll:
- Have full leadership accountability across R&D projects, budgets, and people.
- Work in an innovation-driven environment where your ideas and decisions directly shape the future.
- Gain visibility across the Mondelēz global network with opportunities to influence beyond Ernest Jackson.
- Be part of a culture that values sustainability, innovation, and integrity.
Relocation Support Available?
No Relocation support available
Business Unit Summary
We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!
Our people make all the difference in our succes
Mondelēz International is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Excited to grow your career?
We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!
IF YOU REQUIRE SUPPORT TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION OR DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS, PLEASE CONTACT THE RECRUITER
Job Type
Regular
Project and Program Management
Business Capability
Top Skills
What We Do
Mondelēz International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDLZ) is an American multinational confectionery, food, and beverage company based in Illinois which employs approximately 90,000 individuals around the world.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to empower people to snack right. We will lead the future of snacking around the world by offering the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way.
Our Brands
We’re leading the future of snacking with iconic brands such as Oreo, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum.
Our People
Our 90,000+ colleagues around the world are key to the success of our business. Our Values and Leadership Commitments of Love our Consumers and Brands, Grow Every Day, and Do What's Right shapes our culture – what we believe in, stand for, and what guides our actions and decisions. Great people and great brands. That’s who we are.
Our Strategies
We are uniquely positioned to lead the future of snacking with strong leadership in our categories, an unparalleled portfolio of global and local brands, and a solid footprint in fast-growing markets. Aimed at delivering sustainable growth, our strategic plan is centered around three strategic priorities:
• Growth: accelerate consumer-centric growth
• Execution: drive operational excellence
• Culture: build a winning growth culture
Why Work With Us
We offer passionate, energetic and curious people a huge choice of careers in our fun, fast-paced, global business. We operate in four regions: Asia, Middle East & Africa; Europe; Latin America; and North America. And in over 80 countries our people are united in a common purpose to empower people to snack right.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
#TeamMDLZ Flexible Working Pledge: We Trust each other to work flexibly and productively We show Empathy, encouraging belonging and connection We are Mindful of making space and taking time
