At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to innovate and deliver exciting food and beverage products.
- Company: Join a global market leader with a fantastic culture and employee focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000, excellent benefits, and flexible working.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in product development for a beloved consumer brand.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD and category management, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Our client is an extremely successful, global market-leading consumer brand with a multi-billion turnover. They are the customers' first choice in their sector, highly innovative with extremely high levels of consumer engagement across all channels.
The Head of NPD will lead a small team to define and deliver the food and beverage strategy that will deliver growth, customer delight, and brand excellence. The role is split between the West London office (2-3 days a week) and home (2-3 days a week).
As Head of NPD, you will set the strategic direction for food and drink innovation, playing a key role in growing sales and margin of a key food category. You will develop and implement strategic and operational plans focused on developing brand-consistent, consumer-led innovative products. Leading a small team, the Head of NPD will be responsible for developing a product category strategy focusing on product, packaging, price, promotion, and in-store operation and display.
The Head of NPD will lead, develop, and support the team to exceed expectations. Working closely with key stakeholders across the business both in the UK and with global teams, the Head of NPD will develop and execute the strategy, launching new ranges, reinvigorating existing ranges, and managing the end-to-end product life cycle. The Head of NPD will have commercial ownership of the innovation strategy, assessing commercial performance and taking appropriate action to address or accelerate performance.
In this role, the Head of NPD will ensure the team monitors and immerses themselves in trends and insights, working closely with suppliers to deliver the category's strategic direction, developing innovative products, packaging, and end-to-end concepts. The Head of NPD will own and lead the end-to-end process from idea to roll-out to stores.
Ideal candidate: You will have in-depth NPD and category management experience gained from either UK food retail or hospitality and will have operated in a leadership position. It is essential to have a combination of fantastic product development expertise combined with excellent commercial awareness. The Head of NPD will have a proven track record of developing food concepts and products that meet consumer needs and match brand values. It is essential that you have managed at least 3 team members and have in-depth experience of working with the supply base and managing NPD projects. Ideally, you will have an understanding of operational capabilities and be able to consider these as part of your role. It is essential for the Head of NPD to be a self-starter and be able to support and develop a team. Strong organisational skills and the ability to thrive in a large matrix company culture are required. You will have fantastic influencing skills and a collaborative style with a proven track record of engaging and working with internal and external stakeholders at all levels across multiple functions.
Benefits & details: Excellent package up to £100,000 plus excellent benefits. Location: Role split between West London office (2-3 days a week) and home (2-3 days a week).
Head of Product Development in Southall employer: Seven Search & Selection
As a National Account Manager in this dynamic multinational foods business, you will thrive in a culture that blends the strength of a large corporation with the agility and warmth of a family-oriented environment. The company is dedicated to employee growth, offering numerous opportunities for professional development while fostering a fun and straightforward workplace where innovation is celebrated. Join a team that not only leads the market but also values your contributions and encourages a collaborative spirit.
Contact Details:
Seven Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development in Southall
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Seven Search & Selection.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Seven Search & Selection!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Seven Search & Selection, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Seven Search & Selection, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development in Southall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Seven Search & Selection, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Seven Search & Selection.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Seven Search & Selection. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Seven Search & Selection. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Seven Search & Selection
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Seven Search & Selection’s mission.
