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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in bakery product development from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Rich Products, a global leader in food innovation with a family-owned spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team driving impactful food solutions that inspire possibilities.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in NPD within the bakery sector; degree in food science preferred.
- Other info: Rich Products values diversity and offers accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
A hands on role working within a dedicated and innovative R&D team driving business growth through the delivery of innovation and NPD in Value Added Bakery (VAB). This role will support the delivery of customer focused innovation projects manufactured in the Andover bakery and will also work with the local Business Unit and supply chain in identifying and designing the process for new capabilities.
The role will be recognised as a subject matter expert within the VAB category and will proactively build technical capabilities to meet the needs of the evolving and growing business.
Key Accountabilities/Outcomes
New Technology Development
- Develop or support the implementation of new product platforms through new scientific and Technology advancement.
- Working with Supply, Engineering, and Research Innovation & Compliance (RIC) Centre Of Excellence (COE) teams on the design of new processes and facilities and supporting the commissioning and qualification of new lines and facilities as needed.
Category Technical Leadership
- Provides VAB technical guidance, perspective, and information to both the RIC Innovation team and the local UK Business Unit.
- Staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends and applying to projects.
- Leveraging supplier innovation, seeking every opportunity to own the IP from the outset.
- Acting as a subject matter expert by sharing bakery and ingredient knowledge to help upskill and coach the local R+D team.
Customer NPD Delivery
- Acting as the Voice of the Customer in understanding the local BU customers’ NPD and innovation strategies and working with the sale and marketing teams to agree new product plans by channel / customer.
- Planning, managing and delivering new product development projects from concept to launch, meeting project deadlines.
- Understanding the complexity of both the recipe and assembly as it relates to the manufacturing process as well as the impact of the cost structure of the overall product.
- Managing the commercialization of allocated NPD project concept samples to factory trials and final customer approval.
- Managing the completion of all relevant customer documents relating to the delivery of allocated NPD and innovation projects.
- Working with Procurement to source new raw materials where necessary and ensuring that MOQ’s, lead time and food safety support the product feasibility.
- Presentation of new product concepts internally and to customers.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Critical
- A minimum of 8 – 10 years NPD experience within the value added bakery category
- Experience of implementing the NPD process from concept to launch
Desirable
- Degree educated or equivalent in a food science or culinary disciple
- Proven Technical leadership roles within R&D teams
Rich Products Corporation welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Innovation Manager employer: Rich Products UK
Contact Detail:
Rich Products UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the value-added bakery sector. Understanding emerging technologies and innovations will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food science and culinary fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals to opportunities at Rich's.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past NPD projects. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Rich Products Corporation thoroughly. Understand their product lines, company culture, and recent innovations to tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Innovation Manager position at Rich Products Corporation. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in NPD and technical leadership within the value-added bakery category.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly outline your 8-10 years of NPD experience, focusing on specific projects you've managed from concept to launch. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in the food industry.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation in the food sector and how your background aligns with Rich's mission. Mention your understanding of customer needs and how you can contribute to their NPD strategies.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your technical skills and knowledge in food science or culinary disciplines. Discuss any experience with emerging technologies and how you've applied them in past projects, as this will resonate well with the company's focus on innovation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rich Products UK
✨Showcase Your NPD Experience
Make sure to highlight your 8-10 years of experience in new product development, especially within the value-added bakery category. Prepare specific examples of projects you've led from concept to launch, as this will demonstrate your capability and understanding of the NPD process.
✨Understand the Company’s Products
Familiarise yourself with Rich's product portfolio and their focus on innovation in the food industry. Being able to discuss how your skills can contribute to their existing products or new innovations will show that you are genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
As a subject matter expert, you may be asked technical questions related to bakery processes and ingredient knowledge. Brush up on current trends and technologies in the bakery sector, and be ready to discuss how you can leverage supplier innovation to enhance product development.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Since the role involves acting as the Voice of the Customer, prepare to discuss how you have previously understood customer needs and translated them into successful product developments. Share examples of how you collaborated with sales and marketing teams to align product plans with customer strategies.
