At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to innovate and deliver exciting food and beverage products.
- Company: Join a global market leader with a strong focus on consumer engagement.
- 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 while enjoying a fantastic company culture.
- Qualifications: Proven NPD experience, leadership skills, and a passion for food innovation.
Our client
- Extremely successful, global market leading consumer brand, with £multi billion turnover
- Customers first choice in the sector they operate, highly innovative with extremely high levels of consumer engagement across all channels
- 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.
- Fantastic culture with a genuine care and focus on employees
- Role split between West London office (2-3 days a week) and home (2-3 days a week)
The role
- 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 loosely 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 manage 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 the role the Head of NPD will ensure the team monitor and immerse themselves in trends and insight working closely with suppliers to deliver the category 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 gained from either UK food retail or hospitality and will have operated in a leadership position.
- For the role 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 which meet consumer needs and match brand values
- It is essential that you have managed at least 3 team members
- You will have in depth of 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
- You will have fantastic influencing skills and have 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)
Please send your CV using the form on this page, quoting reference 1/17770/7. Confidentiality assured.
Whilst we would like to respond to all our on-line applicants, regrettably we are unable to do so due to the high volumes we receive.
If you do not hear back within 14 days unfortunately the relevant consultant has decided not to progress with your application.
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Head of New Product Development in London employer: Seven
Join a dynamic and innovative drinks business that is redefining industry standards. With a strong commitment to employee growth, this company offers a supportive work culture that values accuracy and organisation, alongside hybrid working arrangements for a balanced lifestyle. As a Customer Service Manager, you'll play a crucial role in a thriving environment that encourages creativity and challenges the norm, all while being part of a well-established team in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of New Product Development in London
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
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, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of New Product Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Seven, 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.
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. 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. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Seven
✨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’s mission.
