Are you passionate about product innovation and delivering cost-effective solutions in a fast-paced FMCG environment? We’re looking for an experienced R&D Manager – Ingredients Productivity Lead to join our dynamic team based at our Histon site in Cambridge (with hybrid working available).

In this critical role, you’ll drive and lead strategic cost-saving initiatives across our product portfolio—working hand-in-hand with NPD, R&D, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to identify, develop and implement value-driven ingredient and product optimisations without compromising on quality.

What You’ll Be Doing – Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate ingredient functionality, recipes, and manufacturing processes for cost-saving and efficiency opportunities

• Lead cross-functional ideation sessions to generate and assess ideas for productivity improvements

• Design and deliver end-to-end cost-saving projects—from formulation and prototyping to pilot and plant trials, specifications, and shelf-life studies

• Support Packaging R&D programs by ensuring product/package compatibility and technical alignment

• Manage commercialization by working with RDQI, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to implement projects successfully into production

• Own and lead projects through all stages—chartering, planning, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and delivery

• Serve as the key technical liaison across departments (e.g., Manufacturing, Brand, Supply Chain) to align on program goals

• Perform bench work, develop test methods, set specification limits, and support trial activities

• Analyze project data and make informed recommendations to maximize ROI and business impact

• Regularly update senior R&D managers and key stakeholders on project status and outcomes

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Experience in FMCG food manufacturing and R&D

• Degree in Food Science or 15+ years’ relevant industry experience

• Strong background in ingredient functionality, recipe reformulation, and process optimization

• Demonstrated project leadership across cross-functional teams

• Hands-on experience in benchtop prototyping, pilot/plant trials, and specification development

• Working knowledge of Design to Consumer Value (DTCV) principles

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to simplify complex technical challenges

• Effective written and verbal communication, data presentation, and stakeholder influencing skills

• Comfortable applying experimental design, basic statistics, and conducting sensory evaluations

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

• A collaborative mindset with an interest in exploring new technologies and innovations

What can we offer you?

• Competitive salary / rate of pay
• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holiday 
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• A day off work to support our charity partners
• Flexible working options
• Pension
• Medical benefit
• And access to a HUB that offers many discounts from a range of suppliers and retailers

About The Hain Celestial Group

Hain Celestial Group is a leading health and wellness company whose purpose is to inspire healthier living for people, communities and the planet through better-for-you brands. For more than 30 years, our portfolio of beloved brands has intentionally focused on delivering nutrition and well-being that positively impacts today and tomorrow. Headquartered in Hoboken, N.J., Hain Celestial’s products across snacks, baby/kids, beverages, meal preparation, and personal care, are marketed and sold in over 75 countries around the world. Our leading brands include Garden Veggie™ snacks, Terra® chips, Garden of Eatin’® snacks, Earth’s Best® and Ella’s Kitchen® baby and kids foods, Celestial Seasonings® teas, Joya® and Natumi® plant-based beverages, Greek Gods® yogurt, Cully & Sully®, Imagine® and New Covent Garden® soups, Yves® and Linda McCartney’s® (under license) meat-free, and Alba Botanica® natural sun care, among others.