The recipe This role is key to realising Warburtons’ ambitious innovation and NPD plans. It reports directly to the Quality Director and plays a vital part in delivering the next generation of products having the quality credentials and consumer appeal for which Warburtons is famous. The successful candidate will lead the technical development and execution of all Warburtons’ Innovation project activities through leadership of the Innovation Technical team. About us As ‘the UK’s No. 1 Bakery Brand’ we have been baking bread since 1876. Today, we are proudly a sixth-generation family business, supplying over 18,000 retail customers from 11 bakeries and 16 depots, producing a range of over 70 products, including gluten and wheat free. Quality and Innovation We place quality and innovation at the heart of everything we do, and everyone across our business is focused on delivering the best bakery in Britain both now and for the future. We have a team of dedicated Quality and Technical experts (our bakery boffins) who spend every day making sure the highest standards of quality are met across all our bakeries and that we’re always focused on how we can improve. Over the last 10 years, we have invested in new baking kit so we can create our latest innovations including Thins, Giant Crumpets, Thin Bagels and Bagels. Only by investing in innovation can we continue to lead the bakery market and bring exciting new products to the shelves. In 2019 we opened our dedicated Research and Innovation Centre, where our clever product development teams have access to the best technology to help them bake the next big thing Accountability To work as part of the Quality Senior Leadership Team to manage this key function within the business and to play your part in developing the function to enable the long-term success of Warburtons. Lead the Innovation Technical team to deliver the Innovation Product Pipeline and Plan to ensure that the volume and value share and profit targets are achieved in line with the 5 year plan. Collaboration with key suppliers to ensure best in class ingredient Innovation and ongoing development of a shared development plan to deliver best in class ingredient technology. To lead the Innovation Technical Team to ensure they have the correct level skills and longer-term succession planning to ensure we have the correct skills in place for the future. To work in close collaboration with both Central Engineering team and key equipment suppliers to deliver best in class process development. Ongoing management of all H&S activities within the R&I Centre to ensure a safe and compliant facility. Essential Ingredients Strategic Vision and Execution: Has a proven track record of developing and implementing effective long-term plans that align with organisational goals. Demonstrates an ability to break down ideas into actionable plans and manage change effectively. Financial Acumen and Budget Management: Manages budgets effectively, ensuring value for money and a clear understanding of return on investment. Strategic Communication: Demonstrates the ability to consider context and environment, adapting communication and coaching styles to effectively reach diverse audiences and achieve organisational objectives. Leadership and Team Development: Exhibits strong leadership skills, including the ability to recruit, motivate, and develop a high-performing team. Ensures effective talent and succession planning, regular team engagement, and proficient handling of HR processes. Problem-Solving and Innovation: Possesses a keen ability to anticipate and solve complex problems through innovative solutions. Encourages and facilitates teams to break new ground and fosters an environment of continuous improvement and risk management. Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams and driving product innovation that has resulted in measurable business growth. Embodies the values of leadership and innovation, demonstrating the ability to lead by example, inspire others and drive the organisation towards achieving strategic goals. Commitment to professional development and embracing change is essential. Relevant technical experience with a track record of using knowledge to deliver tangible results. Extra Dough You’ll want to know what your bread is worth: A slice of the annual profits (discretionary profit share). Family time is important to us and we know it will be to you, so you will have 5 weeks holiday and bank hols. Plus, the opportunity to purchase up to an extra week annual leave. Private medical insurance, health screening and life assurance. Award winning pension scheme with company contributions. Products you will love along with deals and discounts for you and the family through our Extra Dough website. Support for your health and wellbeing, including access to free physiotherapy, 24/7 access to a confidential helpline for practical advice and a comprehensive occupational health service. We respect and value difference. We look to create an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Companies that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, or any other aspect which makes them unique, are proven to be better companies. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work, is the right thing to do.