New Product Development Site Lead

You will support the future growth and business development strategy for our entire customer base, contributing to the day-to-day operational delivery (working within a multi-disciplinary structure) and leading on the long-term business strategy for the site. You will report directly into the Group Head of Innovation however, you will have responsibility for shaping, implementing and maintaining the launch of new and existing products to ensure they are delivered efficiently and in a timely and cost-effective manner for the business, in line with customer codes of practice and in conjunction with all appropriate stakeholders.

• Accurately planning, resourcing and managing the site NPD function.
• Working with key stakeholders to deliver a strategy that is organized, planned and aligned to capture customer expectations.
• Working with key stakeholders to facilitate the generation and implementation of new and modified products on site through a critical path.
• Working closely with the Development Chefs and the Commercial Team, to ensure that all information is co-owned, co-approved and appropriate to the brief.
• Working collaboratively with other departments on site, to ensure the food safety, quality and legality of all new and modified products.
• Ensuring the appropriate maintenance of all records relating to NPD and EPD activities, to ensure audit compliance.
• Working proactively within the scope of relevant food trends and innovation, in collaboration with the Development Chefs, Marketing Team and the Customer.
• Working proactively with respect to new processes, machinery, capabilities and product improvement. 
• Leading site Research and Development projects, as appropriate.
• Ensuring that the team operate in a coordinated and cohesive manner, to ensure legality, safety and quality of products, consistent with our customer’s targets and codes of practice.
• Ensuring that professional standards & ways of working are adhered to, in the context of specification completion and factory trials.
• Ensuring that the senior management team are updated with any issues relating to food safety and legality, ensuring that the appropriate actions are agreed and completed.
• Liaising with suppliers, third parties & external providers of expertise.
• Liaising with the Customer to develop strong and positive relationships with key personnel.

Experience and Qualifications

• A track record of leading high performing happy teams, through role modelling, motivation and coaching.
• Exceptional relationship and networking skills, not only being able to influence and deliver projects to milestones working with other teams internally, but also externally through key stakeholders / clients.
• An ability to able to interpret and develop action plans to incorporate requirements, transforming them into innovative outcomes that delight our customers.
• Extensive food industry experience in a Product Development role, with exposure and an understanding of foodservice/ retail customers ways of working, including some of the ‘Big 4’ UK retailers.
• A strong understanding and working knowledge of food science and manufacturing processes.

No company sponsorship is available to overseas applicants for this position

INDHP