At Valeo Foods UK, we're the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.
But that's not all – our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it's the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.
Job DescriptionWe are looking for a R&D Manager to be based at our York Factory to lead the end to end development of new confectionery products, raw materials and processes, ensuring right‑first‑time delivery to agreed critical paths. The role strengthens strategic customer partnerships, drives innovation, and ensures scientific and technical excellence across pilot plant and factory environments.
- Lead product development projects from concept through post‑launch, ensuring on‑time, in‑full delivery.
- Act as primary technical contact for customer developers, nurturing, collaborative and dynamic relationships.
- Prepare and deliver trial review presentations, manage pre-productions, and attend launch visits.
- Build subject‑matter expertise in sweets technology and trends.
- Engage suppliers to identify product, ingredient, and technology opportunities.
- Maintain accurate, auditable project documentation and trackers.
- Provide clear, consistent project updates to all stakeholders.
- Deputise for the Head of R&D – Sweets when required.
- Line‑manage, coach and develop R&D Technologists/Technicians.
- Drive continuous improvement of procedures, documentation, and ways of working.
Qualifications
- Strong passion for food and innovation.
- Clear and confident communication skills (written, verbal and presentations).
- Ability to collaborate effectively across all organisational levels.
- High attention to detail, strong organisation and forward‑thinking mindset.
- Commercially aware and comfortable with data and numbers.
- Demonstrates agility, resilience and capacity to create and embrace change.
- Experience in food manufacturing, ideally NPD or R&D.
- Understanding of food process technologies
- Experience engaging cross‑functionally and with external stakeholders.
- Competent in MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
- Full UK clean driving license.
What we offer you in return
- Matched pension scheme
- Death in service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Canteen
- Retailer discount platform
- Staff discount
- And plenty more!
Top Skills
What We Do
We are a leading producer and innovator of high quality, category-defining branded food products that have a proud history that dates back to 1845. At Valeo Foods, we are passionate about food and our portfolio of over 20 iconic food brands, which includes Jacobs, Batchelors, Kettle, Rowse Honey, Balconi, Schluckwerder, are tried and trusted by consumers across Ireland, UK and Europe for their quality, wholesomeness, nutrition and fun. We are a diverse business that combines food production, brand development and innovation, distribution and sales. We are Ireland’s largest ambient food supplier to the grocery trade, a major supplier to the food service market through Valeo Professional, and an increasingly prominent supplier to the UK market and a range of European Markets now. We are focused on the continued development of our excellent portfolio of category defining food brands as we look to expand our footprint across Ireland, UK, Europe and beyond with our latest acquisition in North America. We are committed to delivering quality food products through continued innovation and excellence in manufacturing. This commitment ensures that our brands retain a market leading position in each of their respective categories. We continue to recruit people with the best skills and expertise across a range of areas including manufacturing, food science, research and development, nutrition, distribution, sales, operations, marketing, human resources and finance, and aspire to be a best in class employer, focused on developing and empowering our people.
