Senior NPD Manager

Summary

Senior NPD Manager, based Antwerp, Belgium: This is a newly created role to head up the Product Development programmes for a number of retail customers as the Senior NPD Manager of a major chilled food manufacturing business. Whilst the company is based in Belgium, its customers are spread throughout the North West and Central Europe and you will have responsibility for championing NPD across a number of blue chip retailers such as Albert Heijn, Tesco, Metro, Ahold, etc.

Job Description

Reporting directly to the MD you will have responsibility for existing customers' product portfolio development plans, working through a team of creative chefs and NPD managers. Your remit will extend beyond just new product development to include blue sky R&D/innovation through to process and packaging technology.

You will need to demonstrate a strong track record of successful product development for retailer accounts, guiding the customer development teams in terms of category growth and product innovation. Whilst this role is a senior appointment - you will be part of the executive team - it does require someone who leads by example and who still enjoys being involved in the delivery as well as strategic planning. Furthermore, your NPD experience will embrace working with Finance, Production, Sales/Marketing and Buying to ensure comprehensive delivery of the programme.

This role requires a true 'Foodie' - someone with a passion for food trends and conceptual development, but who can deliver the critical path through their team.

Largely an English speaking role, the ability to become fluent in French or German is required as well as the desire to pick up the local language, Flemish. Flexibility to travel on a regular basis is also required.

Ref SJG7549A