Product Development Manager

Summary

We have just been briefed with a Product Development Manager for a large-scale food manufacturing business in the North West.

Job Description

This business is part of a multi-sited, multi-product food giant with sites all across the UK. They are innovation led and quality driven and are seen as market leaders in a number of areas. This specific site has an enviable position in the marketplace and I can thoroughly recommend this as a positive working environment offering a rewarding challenge. It has a well-regarded product offering and an excellent working relationship with its customers.

The successful applicant will be responsible for further developing the current range and delivering new and highly innovative products to the market. You will be instrumental in blue sky and creative thinking and should be able to demonstrate natural flair for new product development (NPD) and exciting new products. You will liaise with the Commercial Manager and Customer to manage the NPD process for the product grouping & Innovate and develop new products to give the desired margin to the Customer and the business. You will also be an inclusive and engaging manager able to empower more junior members of the NPD Team to achieve personal development plans.

Key responsibilities include:

• Responsible for managing NPD critical path process from concept to launch and managing and developing to the team.
• Ensure effective customer relationships (both internal and external) are established and maintained.
• Innovate new products and processes to maintain and grow the business’ current share of NPD within customers portfolio.
• Manage focused development of new products in conjunction with Commercial Managers and Operations to deliver required margins for our customers and the business.
• Work closely with Operations to ensure products fit effective and efficient factory processes.

You will have previous experience of NPD management within the food industry, and have excellent time and project management skills in order to successfully manage the critical paths for new product ranges as well as having a wider market knowledge of customer needs. This is a customer facing position and so customer service and relationship-building skills will also be vital in this role. The successful candidate will also be self assured and confident when dealing with customers and be experienced in presenting product reviews in person.

This business is looking to interview immediately so please apply today.

Ref DAC8860