We are looking to recruit a Head of New Product Development for our skin care and cosmetics brands; this is very much a project management role for a creative, trend led and highly organised New Product Developer with demonstrable team management expertise and the ability to deliver multiple projects from concept to completion. Reporting to Creative Director and working alongside Sales, Design, Marketing, Technical & Operations departments , you will have a passion for the beauty and skin care industry
ABOUT US
QUEST is an industry leader in beauty and personal care products selling to over 90 countries across the globe, an award winner which includes The Queens Award for Enterprise. This is an amazing opportunity to join a business that is continuing to expand and succeed. We understand that the reason for our success is not only due to our products but also because of the exceptional talent and support we have in our teams; we value our people and we are looking to further strengthen our finance team with skilled individuals who share our ethos
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Highly organised, self-motivated, proactive are essential qualities to succeeding in this position. Our ideal candidate should have at least 2 years' experience in a project management role & essential experience in product development role.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Managing the product development team (5 or more people). Leading team meetings, ensuring the team meets company & department KPIs. Running 1 to 1 meetings & project update meetings.
- Managing the product development process from research to delivery for assigned beauty categories. This includes everything from concept development, sourcing, formula development, costing & design. Overseeing product developers' projects and ensuring they are on time. Escalating delays and production issues to key stakeholders.
- Working on Own Brand and Private label projects where necessary. Working with sales representatives and attending customer meetings when necessary to present NPD & work with retail buyers on new projects. Delivering regular product training to the internal sales team and supporting in customer meetings where applicable.
- Briefing in projects to the China team / China Suppliers/ UK suppliers, carrying out cost negotiations to agree most competitive pricing. Signing off costing models done by the team and ensuring they are correct before sending to commercial director.
- Keeping a close eye on market trends, being able to correctly identify and size category opportunities at both macro and micro level, presenting insights to the Creative Director. Suggesting new projects and planning seasonal calendar launches for 6-12 months ahead.
- Setting up and overseeing critical paths, coordinating relevant updates across internal teams to ensure project deadlines are met. Ability to identify risks to timelines and launch, communicating these to the Creative Director & Sales representative.
- Reviewing and signing off formula and component samples with the technical team on a weekly basis. Identifying any issues and using creative solutions to deliver high quality products that meet the brief and sensory requirements at competitive pricing. Working with Design & Graphics departments for concept and artwork sign offs.
- Consistent organisation of project samples & oversee red seal sample sign offs with the team.
- Essential time management in multiple projects' critical path and ensuring these are updated weekly. Daily team management with workload planning, supporting through absences and new starter training.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE
- A minimum of 2 years' experience in project management & an essential minimum of 2 years' experience in product development (FMCG).
- Ideally possess an understanding and passion for the beauty industry.
- Experience of developing multiple products at once from concept to launch.
- A keen interest in trend analysis.
- Highly organised & confident in managing a team of 5 or more people.
- Reactive, able to work under pressure to tight deadlines and keep abreast of project updates.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Independent and a self-starter.
- Enthusiastic and energetic.
- Able to work autonomously and not afraid to take on responsibility.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
WHY WORK FOR US
- F ree parking
- 28 days holiday
- First Friday of the month off
- Your birthday as a holiday
- Onsite gym
- Early finish Friday
- Discretionary bonuses
- BUPA
- Staff awards etc etc