PURPOSE OF THE POST: 

• To drive and deliver the concept development requirements of customers – to develop creative meal solutions which meet customer, consumer, and category objectives with regard for manufacturing core competencies, legislative requirements, critical paths and margin aspirations
• Drive continuous improvement by being attuned to ongoing developments with new raw materials and processes, competitor activity and market trends in associated categories 
• Work with Concept Development and Chef teams to drive customer focused innovation pipelines

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• To recruit, lead, motivate and manage direct reports to achieve agreed targets and objectives.
• Work closely with all functions to deliver focused development that achieves pre agreed gross margin and optimises existing capabilities and site capacity.
• Manage site customer feasibility meetings and close out of actions following before customer submission.
• Demonstrate interest, knowledge and expertise within the target cuisines and in food generally.  Understand the wants and the needs of both internal and external customers.
• Develop customer category understanding and relevant consumer insight so we effectively deliver development to the correct target audience.
• Present professional presentations to customers both internal and external that succinctly portray detail around concepts, the rationale behind them and innovation plans to drive category growth
• Support the NPD Controller to plan, organise and control resources to deliver new product development concepts to agreed quality, cost and timescales.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with other site NPD teams and functions. Gain an understanding of other site capabilities to support cross site development projects.
• Develop and maintain effective customer relationships at relevant levels. 
• In conjunction with the NPD Controller/HOD manage off brief projects to scope & shape the medium to long term development plans utilising the Oscar Mayer innovation platform to create the customer innovation pipeline.
• Work in conjunction with the site Process Manager to oversee the successful handover of products from kitchen to factory.

CORE COMPETENCIES

(Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience)

• Qualified to degree level or above in Food Science or a related subject
• Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in manufacturing preferably
• Experience in working with/for Major retailers
• Strong and proven track record of NPD achievement at a relevant level
• Extensive food development and recipe knowledge
• Demonstrable experience of successfully working in and leading a team
• Strong financial and project management skill set
• Sound communication and negotiation skills teamed with professional gravitas
• A passion for all things food