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- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch, ensuring alignment with customer needs.
- Company: Join a dynamic food innovation company focused on quality and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of food.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on mentorship and team success.
- Why this job: Drive innovation in food products and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science and 10+ years in product development required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
You will lead the NPD and Process Development function, ensuring projects align with customer needs and business priorities. You will turn innovative concepts into factory-ready products, delivering to agreed standards, on time, and with smooth handover into operations. This role combines strategic leadership, technical expertise, and project delivery, driving innovation, efficiency, and successful launches across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Development Team.
- Foster collaboration, innovation, and high performance.
- Product Development
- Oversee projects from concept to launch.
- Ensure stakeholder alignment and visibility throughout the process.
- Deliver strategic short- and long-term innovation plans.
- Project Management
- Create and manage effective critical paths.
- Act as key contact for customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Cross-Functional Working
- Partner with Technical, Operations, Supply Chain, Sourcing, and Commercial teams.
- Support development of products, ingredients, packaging, and processes.
- Commercial Focus
- Manage costings from concept to post-launch review.
- Track labour and yield efficiencies to validate margins.
- Build strong retailer relationships.
- Present concepts and market-led ideas confidently.
- Apply food trends and formulation expertise to innovation.
- Lead process improvement initiatives.
- Deliver operational efficiencies across new and existing products.
Experience & Qualifications
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field.
- 10+ years in product development or similar.
- 5+ years in an NPD leadership role.
- Experience in chilled, short shelf-life food manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of UK retail environment.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent project and people management skills.
- Strong commercial and technical understanding.
- Influential communicator and relationship builder.
- Passion for food innovation and manufacturing.
- Confident presenter with strong IT skills.
- Flexible, UK travel required, full driving licence essential.
Head of Product Development in West Bromwich employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
Contact Detail:
Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development in West Bromwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Highlight your experience in product development and how you’ve led teams to success. We want you to showcase your passion for food innovation and your ability to drive projects from concept to launch.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in product development and leadership, especially in chilled food manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for food innovation and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Product Development role.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: We love a good project manager! In your application, mention specific projects you've overseen from concept to launch. Highlight how you managed timelines and stakeholder communication to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection
✨Know Your Product Development Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and innovations in food development. Brush up on your knowledge of chilled, short shelf-life food manufacturing and be ready to discuss how you can apply this expertise to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and mentoring teams. Think about specific instances where you fostered collaboration and innovation, and be ready to share how you’ve driven high performance in your previous roles.
✨Master Project Management
Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing projects from concept to launch. Highlight your ability to create effective critical paths and ensure stakeholder alignment, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Communicate with Confidence
As an influential communicator, practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you build strong relationships with retailers and internal teams, and don’t shy away from showcasing your passion for food innovation.