Are you passionate about leading new product development and teams? Do you want to work with a highly creative and fast-growing food business?
Innova Search are proud to be representing a successful and innovative food business, offering a variety of solutions to their customers, including co-manufacturing, new product development and ingredient sourcing.
Role Aim:
- Effectively deliver all new product development (NPD) products according to the gated NPD process & critical path, ensuring comprehensive and timely communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
- Infuse speed, enthusiasm, and creativity by mentoring, coaching, and advising the current NPD team, ensuring the smooth operation of the day-to-day NPD function across the business
- Collaborate closely with Sales & Marketing teams to oversee the development and well-organised management of the NPD Teams within the sites, consistently providing coaching for ongoing success
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for managing the NPD Budget and formulating future budgets aligned with the commercial strategy
- Support the business in transitioning towards a consumer and innovation-centric approach
- Oversee the smooth operation of the day-to-day NPD Function
- Ensure adherence to the NPD Gated Process, with comprehensive documentation
- Verify the commercial viability of all products throughout the NPD gated process stages
- Drive improvements in process capabilities and efficiencies in factories to unlock NPD potential and stay ahead of competitors
- Collaborate closely with the Commercial and Marketing Team to expand existing brands, introduce new Brand Partners, and incorporate Private Label offerings into the portfolio. Explore opportunities in food, as well as value-added sports and fortified health and nutrition segments through organic growth
- Concentrate on current NPD requirements while also outlining the 2-5-year Innovation plan and beyond for the business, in collaboration with the Marketing Team and Executive Board
- Work closely with NPD Senior and Junior Technologists to prioritise their workload by assessing key projects with the Commercial and Marketing Team, considering their significance to the business, speed of implementation, and financial impact
- Strengthen the NPD Team to ensure successful execution of current and new brand development plans and private label opportunities
Competencies:
- Strong leader in people management and coaching, with a demonstrated history of success in New Product Development (NPD) across diverse food production disciplines. Proficient in cultivating robust commercial relationships with customers and brands, capable of enhancing value through the leadership of a skilled and motivated NPD team
- Accustomed to overseeing a portfolio/projects concurrently, demonstrating competence in managing various aspects of customer engagement. Adept at guiding and inspiring NPD teams to infuse projects with innovation, speed, passion, and a can-do attitude
- Adaptable to the dynamic nature of development, responsive to changing business needs and requirements. Committed, organised, and resilient in the pursuit of excellence
Requirements
- A proven track-record of working within food/drink new product development
- Food/nutrition related education/qualifications
- Experience of managing an NPD related team