New Product Development Advisor (House Plants & Flowers)

Join Our Dynamic Production Team at IPL Whittlesey. We are excited to offer a role as an NPD Advisor to be a vital part of our Commercial Team at our House Plants & Flowers facility in Whittlesey. If you are passionate about New Product Development and eager to contribute to a dynamic team, this role is for you.

Position Details:
Schedule: Wednesday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm
Location: IPL Whittlesey - Site Based Role
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract ending October 2026

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Organise and make up samples as required at lowest cost to serve
• Organise and attend photo shoots ensuring product displayed through a customer's lens
• Train and develop skill base of our production colleagues - a process of continuous improvement
• Co-ordinate pre productions for all events/new line launches, collating feedbacks and actions for the buying teams
• Attend first production runs at IPL & 3rd parties
• Conduct regular store visits identifying new opportunities & feeding back on quality, construction & performance
• Carry out event competitor range and store reviews and share with the commercial team. Includes a full analysis of hero lines & gap analysis
• Organise and prepare range builds when required at merchandising centre of excellence in Leeds
• Identify new packaging ideas
• Working with the buying teams to co-ordinate trials for new varieties for vase life
• Supporting the packaging buyer with hardware, packaging and product suppliers to keep abreast of new innovation, trends and initiatives in the industry
• Support activity in line with the critical path deadlines
• Research trends, adapt and modify for Asda customers in a commercial and viable way
• Under the direction of the buying team design commercially viable ranges and individual lines
• Communicate with buyers and other elements of the production chain to enable them to deliver new products and ideas effectively
• Analyse and produce reports on product and new range launches
• Attend trade fairs and exhibitions which are relevant and report back findings, some may be abroad
• Maintain an organised product development workroom
• Travel to Asda House and external sites for range builds

What are we looking for?

• Good all round education including Maths and English GCSEs (or equivalent)
• Prior experience of working within an NPD role
• Microsoft Office, Excel - Basic level
• Full UK Driving license
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• High attention to detail and ability to prioritise
• Able to use own initiative working in a fast paced environment
• Able to methodically analyse and process problem solving skills
• Able to communicate with individuals at all levels of the business and external customers
• 'Can do' attitude and proactive approach to the role
• To be able to work well as part of a team and manage own workload
• Willingness to work flexibly during peak sessions

What's in it for you?

At IPL, Forza, and Kober, we're dynamic businesses dedicated to fostering the development of our colleagues and creating an exceptional work environment. We offer opportunities for professional development, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 10% Asda In-store Discount
• Annual Bonus Scheme
• 33 days Annual Leave - Inclusive of 8 days bank holiday
• Enhanced pension scheme
• ️ Life Assurance - 4 x annual base salary
• - Free health and wellbeing support service, including unlimited video consultations with a UK-based GP 24/7, physiotherapy, and mental health support
• Grocery Aid - Support services for colleagues and families
• Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Asda Mobile Discount - 30% off selected bundles
• Discounted health assessments - Negotiated rates on Self-Pay health assessments
• Asda Pet Insurance discount
• Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) - Fee-free mortgage and protection advice
• Exclusive Exchange Rates via Asda Money
• Ride-to-work scheme
• ️ Care Concierge - Legal & General Care Concierge resource

Plus, lots more! Depending on job band, other benefits are available including private healthcare, car allowances, and long-term incentive schemes.

Like what you've read? Then update your CV and apply today!

Our purpose here at IPL, Forza & Kober is simple: we are one team who creates exceptional value for our customers and our mission is to support Asda on their journey to becoming in the marketplace. Through our people we live and breathe our values and we play to our strengths. We are committed to a fully inclusive business that reflects our customers, locations and communities, and we welcome applications from all candidates. We are committed to making IPL, Forza and Kober a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues. Our culture is our people and our people are our culture!