Our client is a leading fresh food manufacturer, known for their diversity and inclusivity, currently experiencing a period of rapid growth.
They have an amazing opportunity for a Product Development Manager on a 6 month contract.
Reporting to the Product Director, the successful candidate will be working cross-functionally to lead the Product Development team in bringing innovation to market as well as constantly evolving current products and packaging. This is a lead role across their two biggest customers, supported by 2 x Senior Developers and a Development Assistant.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Owning the NPD customer agenda
* Cultivate strong relationships within customers deploying a contact strategy across key stakeholders
* Ensure team provides accurate and consistent communication both internally and externally, ensuring any issues are identified and resolved quickly
* Manage key stakeholders within gated development process, ensuring appropriate accountability and responsibilities
* Oversee the creation of products and propositions in line with customer briefs, ensuring adherence to customer specific technical and sourcing policies
* Ensure all product launches are on time; meeting customer expectations for product and cost, whilst ensuring they achieve the required margin
* Overall accountability of NPD/EPD projects being managed through the gated development process aligned to customer critical path
* Manage and motivate a high functioning development team, nurturing talent and setting clear measurable goals
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
* Minimum of 10 years product development experience (both retail and supplier)
* Degree level education
* Proven track record of successful innovation
* Extensive knowledge of UK retailer development gate processes
* Experience in Fresh or Chilled Categories
* Minimum of 5 years man-management experience
* Understanding of category management and insight generation