Nestlé’s Janette Jackson on The Wizard of Oz, United Biscuits and Liverpool FC

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Janette Jackson (Nestle)-1

Name: Janette Jackson

Job title: Group leader, Kit Kat Innovation, Nestlé Products Technology Center for Confectionery

Company: Nestlé

What was your first job? I left school at 16 and started on an apprentice scheme at United Biscuits in Liverpool – my grandad worked there, so it felt like a natural step. It was brilliant: 50% in the factory, 50% in the offices. I got to experience manufacturing, work with salespeople, even try some IT.

That 24-month scheme gave me a real taste for how things work end-to-end, and I absolutely loved the manufacturing side. It’s stayed with me ever since.

What’s been your worst job interview? I wouldn’t say worst, but the most nerve-wracking was definitely for my current role. There were three of us, each playing different roles of a factory manager, quality manager and production manager. We had to talk through scenarios and problem solve them together.

I actually ended up driving the conversations more than I expected, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. A bit frightening at the time, but I’m glad it happened.

“When you’re walking down the aisles and you see how much packaging there is, you realise there’s more we can do collectively”

What was the first music single you bought? Something by Roxy Music because Bryan Ferry was my absolute heartthrob. I can’t remember the exact track now, but I do remember his leather jacket.

How do you describe your job to your friends? I tell them I manage the team that develops new Kit Kat products across the world, which is genuinely as exciting as it sounds! People often think we’re like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Probably seeing the product on the shelf. I have a fantastic team and being able to take something from a small sample in the kitchen, all the way through to manufacturing at a larger scale and then into shops – that’s the moment you’re always working towards. It’s a meticulous process, but the smile on people’s faces when we’ve done it makes it all worthwhile.

What is the least rewarding part? Aligning strategies and making sure everyone’s on the same page before you get busy with creating a new product isn’t the most exciting part of the job, but I completely understand why we do it.

When you’re working on something as big as a global Kit Kat launch, you need that rigour to make sure everything goes right. And actually, that process is what sets us up for success. It’s what makes the difference between a good idea and a successful product launch that performs brilliantly on the shelf.

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What is your motto in life? Go for it. Embrace every opportunity. I always say this to the younger people in my team. You don’t want to grow older and think “why didn’t I do that?”. If an opportunity presents itself, you can only ever try something. You’ll never know if you don’t give it a go.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Working at Nestlé, you get a lot of really great perks, and it’s a lovely place with great people. But if I could add one more during the festive season, I’d bring in a Christmas choir and perhaps get everyone involved in it too. Maybe even create a limited-edition Christmas Kit Kat – that would be fun!

Do you have any phobias? Balloons. I don’t like the noise when you grab them, and I definitely don’t like it when they pop. My family knows not to get me any, no matter the occasion!

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? The amount of non-recyclable plastic. We’re making great progress on this at Nestlé, but the entire industry still needs to take bigger strides. It’s something I feel quite strongly about – when you’re walking down the aisles and you see how much packaging there is, you realise there’s more we can do collectively.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A dressing gown. Nice and cosy round the fire on a cool evening. I love a good dressing gown and my home comforts, and it’s often the first thing I look for in a hotel when I’m away – it’s all about comfort.

What animal most reflects your personality? A cat. Something laid back with a bit of speed when it’s needed. Independent, relaxed, but always with an eye on what’s going on.

What’s your favourite film and why? The Wizard of Oz. I’ve watched it every Christmas since it was released – so it’s definitely a tradition now. It was also the first play I was ever in (my sister got to play the White Witch while I was munchkin!). I love a good musical, and nothing compares to this one in my eyes.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I remember attending a Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur match as a young girl, when Glenn Hoddle was the star player for Tottenham. Naturally, I had a crush on him, much to my dad’s dismay since we were devoted Liverpool fans.

After pestering my dad, we decided to wait for his autograph after the game. We stood patiently in line, and when it was finally my turn, I handed him my pen to sign my programme, only for it to leak all over his hand. I was torn between laughing and crying, but Glenn took it in his stride, borrowed a pen from another fan, and signed my programme. I still think my dad tampered with the pen!

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Alan Carr. He’d be really funny to work with, and he’s done some brilliant charity work that clearly means a lot to him. He was a real team player in The Traitors too, although admittedly for the wrong side! We all need a bit of laughter in our lives, and I could make him a Kit Kat while we’re at it.

What would your death row meal be? My partner makes an incredible prawn and chicken pasta with chillies, and I’d have that with some garlic bread. Perfect.