Job Description
Senior Product Development Manager (Food)
Salary: Competitive, with generous benefits
Additional Benefits: Generous pension contributions, private medical insurance, employee discounts, and more
Hours: Full-time
Location: Woking, Surrey (Hybrid working available)
We are seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Product Development Manager to lead both New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects. This is a 12-month maternity cover role with two positions available: one focusing on core development and the other on new product innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead NPD and EPD projects, bringing new product concepts to life and optimizing existing offerings.
- Drive quality and taste improvements across a portfolio of products to maintain market leadership.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and agencies to ensure the successful launch of new menu items.
- Manage the critical path from ideation to launch, including restaurant testing and post-launch evaluation.
- Serve as the guardian of product quality and taste, ensuring standards meet consumer expectations.
- Lead and inspire a team, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and supportive working environment.
- Monitor industry trends, conduct benchmarking, and integrate insights into product development strategies.
- Represent the team to franchisees, senior stakeholders, and global partners.
About You:
- A passionate foodie who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment.
- A minimum of 6 years’ experience in product development within food service, retail, or manufacturing.
- Strong project management skills with a proven track record of successful product launches.
- A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field is beneficial.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercially aware, with the ability to navigate complex projects and prioritize effectively.
Benefits:
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
- Enhanced annual leave, including the ability to buy or sell additional days.
- Access to wellness programs and mental health support.
- Generous pension contributions and private healthcare options.
- Bonus scheme based on individual and company performance.
- Discounts on products and services, including a 25% employee discount on company offerings.