NPD Manager – Excellent Opportunity (Retail)

 The Role:

This is an opportunity for an excellent innovative product developer with strong development skills and the ability to bring product from concept to launch.

You will be part of the organisation, delivering an innovative product range, while always considering the profitability and commercial success of the products that are being developed. Whilst being a part of the creative side, you will also manage the processes and liaise with third parties, e.g. customers and production sites, to ensure deadlines and the required product specifications are met. Alongside this you will be a key member in the factory trials and be able to cope with challenges that may arise.

This is an exciting role, offering you the opportunity to make a real difference to the ranges on offer. Working closely with the purchasing and category teams, you will source suppliers and products to fulfil market insight requirements for ranges across chilled, ambient and frozen categories. The wide array of products means this role will require excellent project management skills, coupled with high levels of personal energy and enthusiasm.

 Role Responsibilities:

• Ensure that quality and reporting systems are monitored across specific product portfolio
• Using your knowledge and expertise to develop the product portfolio and own suppliers
• Be responsible for interpreting product portfolio trends
• Supporting the Buying Manager during competitor challenges on quality and implement the category development strategy to strengthen suppliers, quality and innovation
• Continually seek opportunities, often in conjunction with suppliers, to reduce overall costs and improve quality of product
• Implement action plans to resolve issues across product portfolios
• Through analysis and consumer trends highlight and develop new and innovative own brand ranges
• Ensure that products, services and information consistently deliver quality and value to meet customer expectation in a defined product portfolio
• Brief and work alongside buying, technical, packaging teams to ensure that each team are delivering the right products
• Develop the existing supply base and grow new supply base

   Key Experience and Skills Required:

• 3^rd level qualification in Food Science / Technology or related discipline
• 3-4yrs experience in NPD, experience in retail development is an advantage
• Proven management skills and experience of supplier management
• In-depth knowledge of food, ingredients and global cuisines
• Up to date knowledge of the food retail market
• Strong negotiation skills
• A good customer focus
• A high level of personal integrity and drive
• Good team work skills
• Strong analytical and decision making skills
• Experience in managing change and project management
• Be able to gain commitment from the people you work with

If you have the above requirements and feel this role is for you then apply today.

Quorum Search Partners is one of Ireland's leading industry specific search and selection organisations delivering recruitment services to our FMCG, food, healthcare and pharmaceutical clients both in Ireland and abroad. At Quorum we treat all candidates’ details with respect and full confidentiality. We will not forward your CV or any other personal details to any 3^rd party without prior consent from you.