Head of R&D

Head of R&D – Sweets

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Head of R&D – Sweets to lead, inspire and elevate our innovation and delivery across the portfolio. This high-impact, highly visible leadership role blends strategy, delivery, and people leadership. It covers all confectionery R&D for both Valeo brands and retailer brands in the UK and CEE.

Responsibilities

• Set the tone for R&D – bringing the right balance of creativity, rigour and discipline
• Keep the pipeline moving – ensuring innovation, renovation and productivity projects land on time
• Own the innovation agenda – shaping the sweets strategy and weaving ESG into everything we do
• Lead and grow the team – building capability, coaching talent, and creating a high‑performing environment
• Work closely with Brand, Marketing and Commercial teams to bring great ideas to life
• Partner with customers and stakeholders to stay ahead of changing needs
• Strengthen how we deliver projects through clear, structured governance
• Make sure new launches work not just on paper, but in our factories
• Stay plugged into the outside world, spotting trends, technologies and new ideas worth exploring

Qualifications

• A degree in Food Science or a related discipline
• Strong experience across the full R&D lifecycle, from insight to delivery and measurement
• A proven track record of leading teams and delivering tangible business results
• Experience working cross-functionally and influencing senior stakeholders
• A background in food or confectionery R&D, ideally within a fast‑paced environment
• A leader who can align, motivate and challenge
• Commercially minded, able to connect data with real‑world business impact
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands‑on levels
• A natural collaborator who can say what needs to be said—and bring people with you
• Someone who thrives on change, pace and continuous improvement
• Passionate about building teams that are better tomorrow than today

Additional Information

This is a chance to step into a true leadership role with breadth, visibility and influence – where you’ll shape not just products, but how we work as a business. You’ll join a company that’s growing, evolving, and full of opportunity, with the backing to bring big ideas to life.