Concepts Development Manager in Newtownabbey

At Henderson Group, we are proud to be Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 6,000 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024. We're a family-owned team that cares about our people and the community in which we live.

Henderson Wholesale is a leading Wholesaler in Northern Ireland and supplies goods to over 500 stores across various brands such as SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVO. We source from local farmers, growers and producers and are proud to contribute to our local economy and environment. We achieved Gold accreditation against the Investors in People standard framework in 2023 in recognition of people management excellence and our commitment to investment in people.

The purpose of the role: This role will create and develop Food To Go (FTG) Concepts appropriate to the Convenience Retail format within SPAR/EUROSPAR Retail Estate. Taking the Concept from Idea, through development and implementation at store level. Managing all projects within agreed timeframes and scope. The individual will lead a range development process within the Food Solutions Team using Market and Customer Insights to steer the direction of Food Development to maximise the sales opportunity for our Retailers and put Henderson Wholesale at the forefront of Food to Go.

Working as Concepts Development Manager you will:

• Lead the Food to Go (FTG) and Fresh Bakery food development programme, driving innovation and new product development across the designated categories.
• Develop and launch new food concepts from idea generation through to implementation, ensuring commercial viability and operational excellence.
• Monitor global and local food trends, identifying opportunities to enhance the product range and maintain a competitive market position.
• Create commercially successful products and concepts that maximise sales, profitability, and operational efficiency while minimising waste.
• Produce accurate product costings and support retail margin management.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking and market analysis to inform product development and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with Trading, Quality, Marketing, Retail Proposition teams, and suppliers to deliver projects on time and in line with agreed timelines.
• Support the development of marketing plans by providing product insights, key selling points, and customer-focused messaging.
• Attend supplier demonstrations, trade shows, and industry events to identify emerging trends and innovation opportunities.
• Develop and deliver training programmes to support the successful launch and execution of new products and concepts.
• Gather live operational feedback to shape future product development and enhance the customer experience.
• Ensure all food development activities comply with food safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Identify and resolve issues proactively to protect sales performance, productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
• Manage food development resources effectively to ensure objectives are achieved and business priorities are met.

Skills for Success: Joining us as Concepts Development Manager the minimum criteria you'll need is:

• GCSE Mathematics and English at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualification).
• Minimum of 2 years experience within a Food product development role, to include launching commercially successful new products and/or concepts.
• Project management experience, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Proven experience in managing performance targets and controlling costs effectively.
• Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Full, clean driving licence with the ability and willingness to travel daily between store locations across Northern Ireland.

The Attributes you'll need include:

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Customer-focused, with the ability to motivate and inspire high standards of service.
• Strong collaborator with excellent cross-functional working and relationship-building skills.
• Practical, solutions-focused problem solver with a proactive approach.
• Self-starter who can work independently, identify opportunities, and feed insights back to the business.
• Confident presenter with the ability to communicate data and insights clearly.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply data effectively.

It is Desirable if you have:

• CIEH Level 3 Food Safety in Catering or Retail (or equivalent qualification).
• Proven Leadership skills to support and develop the Food Development Executive.
• Strong influencing and impact skills required to engage and align internal departments on the innovation strategy.
• Previous experience in the Food to Go, Fresh Bakery sectors or a similar fresh food retail environment.

As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by:

• Ambition: We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
• Customer First: We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
• Teamwork: We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
• Integrity: We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.

The Reward: The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners. You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success. Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people. Benefits include market competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Reward Gateway Employee Recognition & Discount Scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.

This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.

If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer.

Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 19th July 2026. We are an equal opportunities employer.