At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development and innovation in the food industry, driving growth and strategy.
- Company: Join a dynamic food and drink company with a bright and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Great culture with plans for growth and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical role that shapes the future of the business.
- Qualifications: Senior NPD experience in food, strong leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Novus Recruitment are delighted to be working exclusively on this senior development role, an opportunity for someone with a background in product development who has been instrumental in using their knowledge, creative expertise and commercial acumen to deliver growth in own-label or branded product ranges.
You will have a strong background in NPD and innovation, and be agile enough to work in demanding, fast-paced categories while managing numerous stakeholders internally across commercial, category, operations and finance, as well as external customers across multiple retailers. Leadership skills are critical for this role to lead and develop a team, growing each individual’s skills across product development, project management and stakeholder management, resulting in a development function that is fully integrated into every part of the business.
As Senior Development Manager, you will be responsible for:
- Setting and delivering the NPD strategy to drive innovation and commercial advantage for the business.
- Leadership of a medium-sized NPD team.
- Being the main point of contact for all retail customers.
- Holding a prominent position within the Senior Management Team.
- Management of multiple product ranges with growth objectives.
This is a critical role and integral to the future of the business, so you will need the following in your background:
- Senior NPD experience in the food industry and a strong network with retail customers.
- Extensive knowledge and a network of contacts across development, category and commercial functions within the food industry.
- Evidence of your ability to immerse yourself in a product category and stay aware of trends, market movements and emerging growth segments to explore and develop.
- Examples of successful development and leadership of individuals, resulting in strong, cohesive teams.
- Experience in delivering a successful NPD strategy.
- A tangible passion for product development and driving commercial advancement.
- Proven ability to lead teams effectively to critical path deadlines, with strong understanding of product and process lifecycle management.
- Professional influencing skills, building strong relationships with direct and indirect stakeholders across the business.
This business has a bright, driven and ambitious mindset. Plans for further growth are already well underway, and the Exec Team are keen to attract a like-minded NPD leader to enhance their commercial edge. From previous placements, we know this business has a great culture and a welcoming team environment, with flexible hybrid working to balance the needs of work, home and team.
There is always more to discuss with roles like this, so as a first step, please send your CV to Colette Nichols to start the process.
Senior Development Manager employer: Novus Recruitment
Novus Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and ambitious work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the food and drink industry. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides flexible hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that each team member can thrive while contributing to the success of exciting product ranges. Join a welcoming team where your leadership skills will be valued, and your passion for product development can drive meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food and drink industry, especially those who know about NPD. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share examples of how you've successfully led teams in product development. They want to see your passion and ability to inspire others.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Make sure you’re aware of the latest movements in the food sector. This knowledge will not only impress interviewers but also help you tailor your approach to their specific needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, including this Senior Development Manager position. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your NPD experience and any leadership roles you've held, as these are key for us at StudySmarter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about product development in the food industry. Share examples of how you've driven innovation and growth in previous roles to really stand out.
Showcase Your Network:Mention any connections you have within the retail sector or the food industry. A strong network can be a huge asset, so let us know how you can leverage these relationships for success.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novus Recruitment
✨Know Your NPD Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of New Product Development (NPD) in the food industry. Be ready to discuss specific examples of successful product launches you've led, and how your strategies drove innovation and growth. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the process but have hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've developed teams in the past. Think of specific instances where you’ve nurtured talent or resolved conflicts within your team. This role requires strong leadership, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and manage a team will be key.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Stay updated on current trends in the food and drink industry. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence product development and how you would leverage them for the company’s advantage. Showing that you’re proactive about market movements will impress your interviewers.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve influenced decisions and collaborated across departments. This will highlight your ability to navigate complex organisational structures effectively.