Senior Process Development Manager

*Role can be based at Harlesden or High Wycombe Site

Opened in 1902, our Harlesden site is a cornerstone of pladis UK’s manufacturing excellence. Home to over 575 dedicated employees, it produces iconic favourites including Chocolate Digestives, Chocolate Hobnobs, Rich Tea, and Mini Cheddars.

What will this role achieve?

We’re looking for a dynamic technical leader to drive process excellence at our Harlesden manufacturing site. In this role, you’ll lead the Site Technical team to deliver our Design Agenda, champion best‑in‑class manufacturing performance, and implement cost‑release, NPD, and procurement initiatives. You’ll shape and own the site’s process strategy, enhancing efficiency, consistency, and quality, while building technical capability across teams through practical coaching and development.

You’ll act as the key link between the site and central Technical, NPD Design, Process Engineering, Ingredient Technology, Marketing, and Procurement teams, ensuring best practice flows seamlessly across pladis UK. This is a factory‑based role at Harlesden, with regular travel to our High Wycombe R&D Centre and other UK manufacturing locations to support project delivery. Due to this, the role can also be primarily based in High Wycombe if preferred.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Manage a programme of product and process development initiatives.
• Provide expert technical support for critical operational performance and quality issues, both practical and through leading the technical team.
• Implement manufacturing process and technology innovations in partnership with central technical teams.
• Plan, manage, and report on all factory trials for CBR, NPD, Procurement, and Continuous Improvement.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to drive performance and product quality improvements across site operations.
• Standardise and improve plant methods, technology, and practices to elevate process development standards across pladis.
• Collaborate with NPD Design teams to ensure successful and timely new product launches.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, HACCP, and product specification requirements during trials.
• Develop process specifications for all site products and update them for any changes or launches.
• Provide accurate input into product specification development.
• Represent the site to Marketing teams and key retail customers on process development activities.

Bring your experience.

Essential

• Food engineering/science or process Engineering qualification particularly desirable.
• Accredited to minimum Green Belt level in Six Sigma/Lean Sigma
• Strong ‘hands-on’ Technical knowledge of bakery manufacturing processes including process constraints is needed, as is a current validated understanding of ingredients and recipe development.
• Experience of manufacturing systems and practices in a blue-chip FMCG environment.
• Experience in a Technical role in another blue-chip Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company is desirable.
• Demonstrated success in the management and development of Technical teams within a food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success in implementation of Continuous Improvement and change projects within a food manufacturing environment.

What will the interview process be?

• Initial Telephone call with Talent Acquisition
• 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• 2nd stage interview – 60 minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.

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?

• Annual Car allowance, paid monthly, with optional Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan
• Private medical Insurance
• Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return-to-work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• 25 days + bank holidays
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme
• 1 Volunteering Day per year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership – Carlisle and Chiswick only
• Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial Wellbeing Support

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 Harlesden: Our Harlesden site has step-free access, accessible entrances and lifts between floors to support individuals with mobility needs. 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.