This position is no longer open for applications

ROLE PROFILE

Job title           New Product Development Manager

Department     Commercial

Location           All sites

ROLE SUMMARY

You will get involved in projects from initial concept idea to launch in stores. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing something you've been involved in creating proudly displayed on the shelves in your local supermarket ready to be enjoyed by consumers!

The purpose of this role is to support the NPD function to create, develop and deliver commercially viable products in line with our growth strategy. Essentially, we aim to excite our customers with on point products which will help to grow everyone's business.

Along with supporting the development of new concepts you will get involved with refreshing and optimising existing products following a development gate process.

You will work cross functionally in partnership with the Process, Sales, Category, Procurement, Production and Technical teams in the development of new products from concept through to launch.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Reports to                            Head of Development

Direct & indirect reports        Development Technologists & Development Chefs

Key internal stakeholders      NPD Managers, Development Technologists, Development Chef, Commercial & Category                                              Teams, Finance, Technical and Process, NPD Sourcing Specialists & Procurement and                                                    Packaging Technologist

Key external stakeholders     Retailer Product Managers, Chefs & Technologists.  Suppliers.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES  AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Working as key member of the overall site development team, the job-holder will lead and drive the Product Development process from the Kitchen as defined by the business strategy.
2. This role encompasses being the main business NPD contact and commercial support for all retail and some B2B.
3. As part of this process, a key remit of the role is to ensure that the company follows an NPD process and critical path to ensure launches are kept within company objectives and products are launched to a high standard in a timely manner.
4. Predominately this is a site-based role, co-ordinating all activities of the commercial team, the kitchen and the Technologists to ensure that all internal and external meetings are implemented. Communication and visibility to all is key, ensuring all projects are delivered within key dates and timelines. There may be occasions when this is a customer-facing role and the job holder is expected to support the Commercial Account Managers and Technologists with presentations and customer visits when required.
5. This role also encompasses identifying and evaluating food trends in conjunction with the category, commercial and development chefs to support the business vision and customer strategy within a rolling 2-year horizon.
6. Liaise with Ingredient Sourcing Specialist and Packaging Technologist to ensure all raw materials and packaging are available for product development and submissions.
7. Positive Release of customer sample.
8. Ensure the team adheres to safe ways of working and site procedures.
9. Support the Technologists & Chefs in achieving daily tasks and ensure the correct level of training is supported by a well managed PDP with reviews.
10. Working cross functionally with Technical, Process and Operations to ensure alignment through the stage & gate process.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, TECHNICAL SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE

• Min 4 years' experience in food manufacturing environment.
• BSc or equivalent in a Food related discipline.
• Previous Project Management experience.
• Competent with all major software packages.
• Strong leader with good interpersonal and communications kills with the ability to communicate across departments/suppliers and external customers.
• Strong organisational, and project management skills to assist with critical path deadlines and project priorities.
• Working knowledge of the factory and raw materials currently used on site.
• Is able to effectively time manage - to structure the team's day efficiently with regards to differing priorities / workloads as well as working to tight deadlines.
• Hardworking and passionate with an eye for detail.
• Ability to problem solve

CORE COMPETENCIES, ATTRIBUTES & BEHAVIOURS FOR SUCCESS

Competency   Descriptors

Values People Demonstrates the belief that people are our most important asset and central to the success of the organisation. Everybody should be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

Customer Focus         Demonstrates the understanding that the satisfaction of our internal and external customers is the foundation of our success

Collaborative Team Working  The willingness to act as part of a team and work towards achieving shared objectives through adopting best practice in line with PQP and Federalism.

Flexibility & Adaptability          The ability to change and adapt own behaviour or work procedures when there is a change in the work environment, for example as a result of changing customer needs.

Initiative & taking ownership   Steps up to take on personal responsibility and accountability for tasks and actions in line with PQP and Federalism.

Drive for Excellence   Knows the most effective and efficient processes for getting things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Resource Management          Effectively manages resources and cost drivers to achieve sustainable productivity and profitability.

Technical Expertise    Has the skills, knowledge and experience required to excel in own area of specialism and the willingness to further grow and develop.

Self-Management       Uses a combination of feedback and reflection to gain insight into personal strengths and weaknesses, so that own time, priorities and resources can be managed to achieve goals.