R&D Manager Magnum - Extend Pillar

## Opportunity Review: R&D Manager, Magnum - Extend Pillar (Colworth Science Park) This **R&D Manager** position within the **Magnum Ice Cream Company**, specifically focused on **Extend Pillar** innovations, presents a compelling opportunity for experienced R&D professionals looking to make a significant impact on a globally recognized brand. Operating from the prestigious Colworth Science Park, this role is integral to Magnum's growth strategy, with a particular emphasis on developing and launching exciting new product formats that go beyond traditional stick-based offerings. For ambitious candidates, this role offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation within the thriving ice cream market. The Magnum Ice Cream Company is undergoing a period of exciting transformation, separating from Unilever to operate as a standalone entity, presenting a dynamic and growth-oriented environment. This independence allows for agility, speed, and a dedicated focus on shaping the future of ice cream. ### Advantages for Potential Candidates:

This role offers a rich landscape of professional development and impact:

• Shape the Future of Ice Cream: You will be a key driver of global innovation for Magnum, focusing on pioneering new formats that delight consumers. This is a chance to leave a lasting mark on the brand and the industry.
• Strategic Portfolio Leadership: Collaborate with Marketing and Supply Chain to co-develop and deliver the global strategy for extended formats. This involves not just product development, but also market-making innovations and technology roadmapping.
• Agile Innovation Environment: The Global Experience, Design & Innovation team embraces agile methodologies, fostering cross-functional collaboration and efficient project execution. You will be part of a connected network of R&D teams.
• End-to-End Project Ownership: Lead technical workstreams from conception to launch, ensuring on-time, in-full delivery of innovative products. This includes managing resources, budgets, and intellectual property protection.
• Open Innovation Opportunities: Engage with external partners, managing collaborations and agreements to drive project success. This broadens your network and exposure to diverse approaches.
• Team Development and Leadership: Proactively contribute to team growth through on-the-job training and mentorship. Leading by example with an inquisitive mindset is highly valued.
• Career Growth and Empowerment: Magnum is committed to growing its people. This role provides a platform for significant career progression within a company that empowers its employees to be innovative and entrepreneurial.
• Attractive Location: Based at Colworth Science Park, a renowned hub for scientific research and innovation.
• Global Impact: Work with iconic brands loved in 76 countries, contributing to the success of the world's largest ice cream company.
• Flexible Working Options: The company is open to discussing flexible working arrangements to support a family-friendly and inclusive workplace.

### Key Considerations for Candidates:

To thrive in this role, candidates should possess a specific blend of skills and experience:

• Scientific Foundation: A strong understanding of ice cream formulation and process science is essential, with the ability to translate this knowledge into tangible, branded product experiences.
• End-to-End R&D Expertise: Proven experience in the complete product and process development lifecycle for ice cream is a must. This includes a solid grasp of health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Passion for Design and Innovation: A deep-seated passion for product design and creative development, coupled with a demonstrated ability to identify consumer needs and translate them into market-leading innovations.
• Collaborative and Cross-Functional Mindset: The ability to work seamlessly across different functions and geographies is critical. A strong understanding of deploying ice cream formats and technologies into manufacturing environments is also key.
• Leadership Experience: Previous experience in a supervisory or team leadership capacity is required, demonstrating the ability to guide and develop others.
• Supplier and IP Management: Experience working with key suppliers on material and process development, including contract negotiation and intellectual property ownership, is highly beneficial.
• Exceptional Project Management Skills: Strong communication, project management, risk assessment, and priority-setting skills are vital for managing multiple complex projects concurrently.
• Business Acumen: A good understanding of the key drivers of cost, margin, and waste within the consumer goods sector will be advantageous.
• Stakeholder Management: The ability to effectively manage and influence a diverse range of global stakeholders across different functions is paramount.
• Cultural Adaptability: Experience working with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds and building cohesive teams, both virtually and in person.
• Academic Background: A degree-level qualification (or equivalent relevant experience) in a technical discipline, preferably food technology or development.
• Leadership Philosophy Alignment: Candidates who resonate with Magnum's "Ice Cream Way" – characterized by a focus on Growth, Speed & Simplicity, Winning with Fun, Bold Innovations, Care & Challenge, and Expertise in the Category – will find this a particularly fulfilling environment.

This R&D Manager position offers a remarkable opportunity to advance your career within a dynamic and growth-focused organization. If you are a driven, innovative, and collaborative R&D professional with a passion for creating exceptional ice cream experiences, this role at the Magnum Ice Cream Company is certainly worth exploring.