Product Development Manager (Potatoes)

Overview

ROLE PURPOSE: Leads the delivery of the Segment product strategy, ensuring we continue to win now and in the future. The PDM is expected to actively implement the product development strategy within their MWBs & Secondary Battlefields & is accountable for developing & delivering the Innovation & renovation pipeline, alongside any associated R&D programme to meet the MWB growth & renovation targets.

BUSINESS IMPACT:

This role is essential for the successful creation & delivery of a consumer-led innovation pipeline (NPD, EPD) which delivers the MWB financial & Superiority targets. They ensure their product portfolio (new & existing) continues to delight consumers & remains relevant & competitive in a changing world.

Responsibilities

R&D Programme

• Developing an R&D portfolio that represents the key priorities for each MWB/Growth platform and is fully consistent with the Nomad "Win as One" philosophy, with clear R&D deliverables, working in collaboration with Marketing, Supply chains, and R&D colleagues across the organisation
• Actively manage their portfolio for maximum ROI, flagging the need for prioritisation decisions when necessary
• Responsible for implementation across in-house factories and Copack
• Leads across F4G, Insourcing and Business Continuity projects
• Manages product delivery across Brand, PL, Export and FS Channels as per business requirements
• Develops & maintains a deep technical expertise in their field (supply chains, technologies, manufacturing processes). Leads associated projects & acts as a technical consultant across segments. Ensures knowledge is captured for future use

Governance & Compliance

• Provides accurate & informative input into gate documents
• All new developments are consistent with the CSR strategy and Nutrition/ Health targets
• Ensures compliance with Nomad policies & processes, including common ways of working

Leading & developing their resources

• Deployment of their R&D resources to deliver maximum return on investment
• Developing individuals within their team and championing their Career Development Programmes
• Delivering their programme within an agreed budget with the R&D Head/Lead of Segment or Regional R&D Lead

Product strategy & superiority

• A deep understanding of relevant consumer demand spaces & drivers of liking
• Defines & champions product quality from a consumer perspective. Approves & implements recipe process changes
• Develop Product strategies for key products in their portfolio to ensure they remain relevant and maintain competitive advantage
• Product superiority vs our key competitors, for lead skus in each MWB
• Maintain good awareness of competitor products. ICM leadership across the segment portfolio

R&D Contribution

• Member of R&D functional workstreams as required

Qualifications

• Relevant Science Degree or significant experience in an FMCG product development/Technical role
• Proficient in English language
• Track record of successful innovation within food or other FMCG category
• Eager to understand and anticipate consumer behaviour
• Experience of concept development & rapid prototyping
• Basic understanding of the role of Intellectual property (patents, exclusivity, know-how and trade secrets) to generate competitive advantage
• Good understanding of food science and ingredient-process interactions (or packaging)
• Track record of successfully driving innovation from prototype to full production