Nestlé Product Technology Centre – Confectionery (NPTC)
Group Leader- Food Chemistry and Data Science
York, North Yorkshire

Salary: £65,250 + (dependent upon experience) plus an excellent range of benefits including discretionary bonus and car allowance. 

Championing diversity and inclusion is so important to us; when we embrace different perspectives and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our business.  
 
At Nestlé we are proud to support and provide equality of opportunity that supports employees to effectively blend their work life and commitments through hybrid and flexible working arrangements, so speak to us to understand what this could look like for you. 

Position Summary

Are you a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for Food Science and Technology? We are seeking for a talented Group Leader to join our Science and Technology Department in Confectionery. In this role, you will lead our food chemistry and data science teams ensuring that discoveries are seamlessly translated into innovative confectionery applications. With a focus on our beloved confectionery brands such as KITKAT, After Eight, Lion, Milkybar, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving our Science & Technology strategy forward. If you are ready to make a significant impact in the world of confectionery and lead a team of talented professionals, we want to hear from you. Join us and be part of our journey to create irresistible treats for our customers.

A little bit about us

Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company, operating in 187 countries. Part of Nestlé’s global network of research centres across the world, our NPTC Confectionery York site focuses on chocolate innovation worldwide. Our aim is to discover, develop and deliver differentiated treats leveraging multi-disciplinary teams including product developers, engineers, scientists, project managers, quality, regulatory and nutrition specialists. It’s a place where curiosity, creativity and practicality meet to turn fantastic Science and Technology solutions into concept, resulting in the launch of exceptional chocolatey products consumers will love.

A day in the life of a Group Leader- Food Chemistry and Data Science

As the Group Leader for Food Chemistry and Data Science, your responsibilities will include managing, coaching, and developing a team of scientists and data scientists. You will be responsible for shaping and executing the Science and Technology strategy leveraging your team’s varied skills and expertise. 

Further responsibilities include: 

• Driving science-based innovation and renovation will be a crucial part of your responsibilities, as you will identify emerging technologies and activating work on relevant ones. 
• Managing resources within the team and prioritizing initiatives accordingly will be essential to ensure efficient and effective project execution.
• Collaboration will be a key component of your role, as you will work closely with Nestlé Research centre based in Lausanne (Switzerland) and other R&D centres across the globe, leveraging their expertise to complement and accelerate the work of the NPTC Confectionery team. 
• Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, you will contribute to the overall success of the organization and drive impactful scientific advancements in the confectionery industry.
• You will influence scientific research programs with external institutions, aligning them with the goals of the confectionery industry.

 
What will make you successful?

To excel as a Group Leader in Food Chemistry and Data Science, the ideal candidate should possess the following skills and experience:

• A university degree, preferably a Master's or PhD, in a relevant scientific field.
• Proven experience within Research and Development (R&D) and/or operational/factory settings, demonstrating a strong understanding of the industry.
• Scientific knowledge and expertise in at least one scientific or technical area, enabling effective leadership and guidance to the team.
• Up-to-date knowledge in the related scientific fields, staying informed about the latest advancements and trends.
• Experience as a line manager, leading and developing a group of professionals.
• A substantial track record of achievements, such as successful product launches, publications, patents, and research collaborations.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, enabling effective collaboration and engagement with stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• A good understanding of the interrelationships between business and technical aspects, allowing for effective decision-making and strategic alignment.
• Proven networking skills, particularly with universities and Nestle R&D centres, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.

What you need to know

What can we offer in return? Great benefits you’d expect from a business the size of Nestlé – in the shape of a competitive salary and benefits package, bonus scheme, flexible working scheme, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays plus flex leave, pension scheme and a real focus on personal development and growth.

Job advert closing date Monday 13/01/2024. 

We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job advertisements early in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please don’t delay in submitting your application.

At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect. When we embrace diversity and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our business. People of all gender identities, ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT+ community are strongly encouraged to apply. If there is anything we can do to accommodate you to participate fully in the application process, please let us know. We take pride in championing inclusion and diversity, our people make up a number of Colleague Networks who represent different experiences and communities who hold us accountable in creating a sense of belonging for all, and our values create the conditions for us to respect the unique contribution you bring. Find out more about our Colleague Networks here: Diversity, equity and inclusion | Nestlé (nestle.co.uk)

We are committed to equal opportunity for all and we may collect relevant data for monitoring purposes during our candidate registration process. Be yourself, everyone else is taken!