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High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom
Onsite
Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.
As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.
To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact
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Role Title: Senior Cocoa and Chocolate Scientist
Site introduction:
Our Hectar Laing Development Centre site is the beating heart of innovation at pladis, a dynamic hub where creativity, science, and consumer insight come together to shape the future of snacking. Home to our Innovation, R&D, Regulatory, and Technical Insights teams, this site supports both pladis Global and UK&I, driving progress across our sweet and savoury portfolios. With a state-of-the-art pilot plant and a culture of collaboration, High Wycombe is our centre of excellence for research and development. From the first spark of an idea to the final product on shelf, our teams work side by side to deliver exciting, high-quality snacks that delight consumers everywhere. It’s a place where every voice matters, and every innovation is powered by the passion and expertise of our people.
What will this role achieve?
This is a critical role responsible for building the know-how on Cocoa and translate that into innovative and sustainable chocolate confectionery and baked products. This role will work closely with other functions, e.g. procurement, sensory, marketing, regulatory, etc., to ensure an agile and smooth translation of science to products.
This role seats in the Global Innovation and Technology Team under the Breakthrough Product Director to ensure direct translation of opportunities against an ambitious and transformational breakthrough innovation strategy that is aligned to the growth ambition and sustainability aspirations of the company.
The role requires an individual who is competent and skilled at working across cultures and functions and collaborating to deliver with others. They need to be able to work effectively with external partners to identify appropriate opportunities and drive development of innovative solutions, best practice approaches and systems.
Key areas of focus for the role will be on:
What will be your key deliverables?
Global R&D works hand in hand on many initiatives with partners in the other functions (both globally and within regions) to create strong competitive advantages for pladis including:
Specifically on Breakthrough Cocoa programme, we need to:
The role will report to the Head of Global R&D Head of Cocoa Innovation*. It is expected that the incumbent will work very closely with their counterparts across the Central Innovation & technology team to effectively delivery the joint growth and transformation agenda and sustainability deliverables.
Principle Accountabilities
Bring your experience.
Essential
Excellent core technical skills and be able to understand the needs of the business, our consumers and customers to drive an exciting cocoa and chocolate technology agenda. The individual will be a self-starter and possess a drive for results.
What will the interview process be?
pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process. Some processes may differ, but we will keep you updated!
What does pladis offer you?
Our Values
Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite
Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.
Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better
Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward
Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together
Best mix of ingredients
pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.
Accessibility at High Wycombe: Our High Wycombe site has accessible entrances and lifts between floors to support individuals with mobility needs, but currently does not have step-free access. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, and where possible to perform key job functions.
pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.
We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.
