Product Manager 12 Month FTC
Purpose of the role:
- To drive and deliver the concept development requirements of customers – to develop creative meal solutions which meet customer, consumer, and category objectives with regard for manufacturing core competencies, legislative requirements, critical paths and margin aspirations
- Drive continuous improvement by being attuned to ongoing developments with new raw materials and processes, competitor activity and market trends in associated categories
- Work with Concept Development and Chef teams to drive customer focused innovation pipelines
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- To recruit, lead, motivate and manage direct reports to achieve agreed targets and objectives.
- Work closely with all functions to deliver focused development that achieves pre agreed gross margin and optimises existing capabilities and site capacity
- Manage site customer feasibility meetings and close out of actions following before customer submission.
- Demonstrate interest, knowledge and expertise within the target cuisines and in food generally. Understand the wants and the needs of both internal and external customers.
- Develop customer category understanding and relevant consumer insight so we effectively deliver development to the correct target audience.
- Present professional presentations to customers both internal and external that succinctly portray detail around concepts, the rationale behind them and innovation plans to drive category growth
- Support the NPD Controller to plan, organise and control resources to deliver new product development concepts to agreed quality, cost and timescales.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with other site NPD teams and functions. Gain an understanding of other site capabilities to support cross site development projects.
- Develop and maintain effective customer relationships at relevant levels.
- In conjunction with the NPD Controller/HOD manage off brief projects to scope & shape the medium to long term development plans utilising the Oscar Mayer innovation platform to create the customer innovation pipeline.
- Work in conjunction with the site Process Manager to oversee the successful handover of products from kitchen to factory.
CORE COMPETENCIES
(Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience)
- Qualified to degree level or above in Food Science or a related subject
- Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in manufacturing preferably
- Experience in working with/for Major retailers ideally WR & JS
- Strong and proven track record of NPD achievement at a relevant level
- Extensive food development and recipe knowledge
- Demonstrable experience of successfully working in and leading a team
- Strong financial and project management skill set
- Sound communication and negotiation skills teamed with professional gravitas
- A passion for all things food