Junior NPD Manager

The Junior NPD Manager will be responsible for the delivery of all NPD and EPD project briefs through Scope and Develop Gates and the management of the gated NPD Process from concept to launch. This involves collaborating with key stake holders/head of departments to make sure that all developed products are commercially viable and technically safe & able to be processed and meet the customer/consumer needs.

• Line management of direct reports ensuring they have clear direction, reviews and training plans
• Keep ahead of the curve with any new insights, trends or competitor products and present these ideas to key stakeholders within the ABP Ellesmere site.
• Ensuring all new and current product development meets the culinary and innovation expectations of the business and customer ensuring ABP remains a market leading supplier
• Create timelines for every project through robust critical paths, with all the key actions and dates included. Ensuring that everyone in the project team is aware of the timings and any necessary actions needed from them
• Work collaboratively with Commercial and Category to identify and create a progressive market leading NPD pipeline, that keeps ABP as leading supplier.
• The management and the keeping of accurate records ensuring they are accessible for viewing by relevant personnel for all concept development stages, and these records are audit ready.
• Understand and raise any product development issues at each stage of concept development to ensure they are brought to the attention of the NPD controller and site and that they are resolved in a timely manner
• Deliver an EPD programme that consistently improves product quality / packaging and/or drives further value chain efficiency, so we give customers greater value.
• Build key relationships with the NPD contact in your customers and to make sure that all information / developed products exceed customer expectations to ensure excellent customer service
• Hold regular meetings with all departments to ensure open communication and expectations throughout a project
• Work cross functionally in an effective manner with process development and the site to ensure successful launches
• Good knowledge of the meat and added value industry across multiple retailers
• Demonstrates a passion for food and a sense of creativity flair and an understanding of food trends

Must Have:

• Good organisation skills, project management and understanding of customer requirements and policies
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills both internally and externally
• Good customer management skills

Preferred:

• Highly organised, with a meticulous attention to detail
• Understanding of factory processes
• Computer skills