At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and innovation for natural veg products, ensuring consumer satisfaction.
- Company: Dynamic FMCG company focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a team that values creativity and offers excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry by driving innovative product development.
- Qualifications: Relevant science degree or significant experience in FMCG product development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Overview
ROLE PURPOSE: Leads the delivery of the Segment product strategy, ensuring we continue to win now and in the future. The PDM is expected to actively implement the product development strategy within their MWBs & Secondary Battlefields & is accountable for developing & delivering the Innovation & renovation pipeline, alongside any associated R&D programme to meet the MWB growth & renovation targets.
BUSINESS IMPACT: This role is essential for the successful creation & delivery of a consumer-led innovation pipeline (NPD, EPD) which delivers the MWB financial & Superiority targets. They ensure their product portfolio (new & existing) continues to delight consumers & remains relevant & competitive in a changing world.
Responsibilities
- R&D Programme: Developing an R&D portfolio that represents the key priorities for each MWB/Growth platform and is fully consistent with the Nomad “Win as One” philosophy, with clear R&D deliverables, working in collaboration with Marketing, Supply chains, and R&D colleagues across the organisation. Actively manage their portfolio for maximum ROI, flagging the need for prioritisation decisions when necessary. Responsible for implementation across in-house factories and Copack Leads across F4G, Insourcing and Business Continuity projects. Manages product delivery across Brand, PL, Export and FS Channels as per business requirements. Develops & maintains a deep technical expertise in their field (supply chains, technologies, manufacturing processes). Leads associated projects & acts as a technical consultant across segments. Ensures knowledge is captured for future use.
- Governance & Compliance: Provides accurate & informative input into gate documents. All new developments are consistent with the CSR strategy and Nutrition/ Health targets. Ensures compliance with Nomad policies & processes, including common ways of working.
- Leading & developing their resources: Deployment of their R&D resources to deliver maximum return on investment. Developing individuals within their team and championing their Career Development Programmes. Delivering their programme within an agreed budget with the R&D Head/Lead of Segment or Regional R&D Lead.
- Product strategy & superiority: A deep understanding of relevant consumer demand spaces & drivers of liking. Defines & champions product quality from a consumer perspective. Approves & implements recipe process changes. Develop Product strategies for key products in their portfolio to ensure they remain relevant and maintain competitive advantage. Product superiority vs our key competitors, for lead skus in each MWB. Maintain good awareness of competitor products. ICM leadership across the segment portfolio.
- R&D Contribution: Member of R&D functional workstreams as required.
Qualifications
- Relevant Science Degree or significant experience in an FMCG product development/Technical role.
- Proficient in English language.
- Track record of successful innovation within food or other FMCG category.
- Eager to understand and anticipate consumer behaviour.
- Experience of concept development & rapid prototyping.
- Basic understanding of the role of Intellectual property (patents, exclusivity, know-how and trade secrets) to generate competitive advantage.
- Good understanding of food science and ingredient-process interactions (or packaging).
- Track record of successfully driving innovation from prototype to full production.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager (Natural Veg) in Lowestoft
✨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 UNAVAILABLE.
✨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 UNAVAILABLE!
✨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 UNAVAILABLE, 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 UNAVAILABLE, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager (Natural Veg) in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at UNAVAILABLE, 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 UNAVAILABLE.
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 UNAVAILABLE. 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 UNAVAILABLE. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNAVAILABLE
✨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 UNAVAILABLE’s mission.
