Job Description

Company Description

We are FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies! ......And we bake the UK's most incredible biscuits (we might be slightly biased, but we will leave that for you to judge).



FBC UK was a match made in heaven, with two of the top UK biscuits manufacturers (Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits) coming together to create one unique, integrated company.

We are home to famous iconic brands, including Maryland, Fox's, Jammie Dodger & Rocky, to name just a few. We are proud manufacturing partners to some of the biggest UK retailers and household names. We bake our incredible biscuits at eight bakeries across the UK, located at Isle of Arran, Livingston, Blackpool, Llantarnam, Edinburgh, Kirkham, Batley & Dorset and our HQ in St Albans. Together, we employ circa 4,000 amazing colleagues across all our locations.



We are currently the second biscuit manufacturer in the UK market with a strong ambition of becoming UK Market Leader.



Whilst we know that we have delicious products we also know that that the key ingredient to our success is our people, and the passion we have for our brands. You could be the jammy to our dodger, party ring to our Fox's or the choc-chip to our Maryland?! We knead people with innovative ideas, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the commitment to drive FBC UK to success.



We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that feels empowered to build a fulfilling and successful career. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) we create a supportive environment for people to thrive and strive to have more positive impact.



We understand that having formal and on-the-job learning opportunities is key to our colleagues' professional and personal growth. We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can learn from each other and grow through a variety of learning experiences.



Our colleagues make our business special. With strong community values, we believe FBC UK is a more prosperous and fun place to work when people feel free to be themselves. We believe in the power of being authentic, entrepreneurial and supporting each other whilst meeting our business goals.

About the Role

We are looking for an Research and Development Manager join the team here at FBC UK!



As R&D Manager, you will be responsible for the coordination & programme management of R&D activity for a selection of our Retailer Brand customers.

You will plan, organise & drive the product development agenda for your customers based on an understanding of both their & FBC requirements, within budget & timescale, to provide innovative new products contributing to the profitability of FBC.

You will be required to translate Retailer visions into reality by interpreting both internal & Customer briefs, category & consumer insight, & market data to effectively brief the required innovation/EPD into product & packaging test bakery teams, all whilst ensuring commercial viability.

You will present product concepts & agree development pipelines, working cross-functionally with key internal & external stakeholders, including customers & suppliers, to bring innovative products to market.



As this is a group role, you will need to be able to travel between sites & be present for key project milestones.



Cross-functional interaction & working in partnership with key stakeholders to understand current vision, goals & objectives will be vital to the success of this role.



Working within a fast paced, agile & entrepreneurial business, this role is a great opportunity for a self-starting individual with the ability to hit the ground running & turn ideas into action.

Main Responsibilities

Coordinate & manage R&D activity programme for Retailer Brand customers, inclusive of monthly pipeline planning sessions with key retailers to co-create & realise future innovation plans Explore key food & ingredient trends, new technologies & processes to identify first to market/timely innovation opportunities to help FBC remain ahead of competition; inclusive of trade shows & safaris Host innovation showcases to present new products, concepts, or innovations to internal & external stakeholders Conduct regular market benchmark panels to ensure FBC remain market leading; drive & protect points of difference to competitors & ensure innovation is complimentary to Branded activity Lead scoping calls to review NPD capability, agree target site & line, & be aware of any CAPEX require to realise Interpret & cascade concept briefs to all key functions to ensure project delivery; inclusive of clear & effective briefing of concept, target cost & therefore sample prototypes required Cross functional sample prototype review to capture any refinements required, driving excellence in product delivery, taste & quality Review & approve test bakery prototypes, generate sample submission forms & presentations, & coordinate sample dispatch for Customer review & approval Lead submission meetings with Customers & ensure feedback is effectively communicated back to the business in a timely manner Attend internal & external project calls to review project progress, address challenges & align on priorities/next steps; maintain internal & external customer project trackers with all relevant product development details Close interaction with the wider R&D Team, Sales, Category & Consumer Insights, Technical, Project Management, Procurement, Operations etc. to ensure plan co-ordination, alignment & delivery Attend key product trials/pre-& first productions as necessary Coordinate representative photography samples obtained from Trials Man mark key Customer NPD contacts at all meetings, site visits etc. Any other duties as requested by the R&D Controller that are deemed to be within your capability

Key Ingredients for the Role

A degree or equivalent qualification in a food related discipline Highly experienced in an NPD/R&D role within a FMCG environment Direct experience of influencing & managing senior stakeholders Understanding of Stage & Gate processes Full, clean UK driving license is preferred

Passion for food, creativity & innovation, with an understanding of the current marketplace Excellent, effective communication & interpersonal skills Ability to build & maintain effective relationships with colleagues, customers & suppliers Works well under pressure & under time constraints, with the ability to multitask & manage own time Effective planning & organisational skills with the ability to prioritise Able to demonstrate initiative & problem-solving skills Good understanding & appreciation of the wider business Proven track record of delivering multiple complex projects in-market Technical aptitude & strong analytical skills

Diversity Statement

FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at FBC UK. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.