Head of New Product Development Retail Sales Wenzel's Head Office and Bakery

Location: Head Office

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Sales Director

About us: Wenzel’s the Bakers is a family-founded business that has been serving local communities with quality baked goods since 1975. At Wenzel’s, our ethos centres around community, quality, and innovation. We take pride in fostering a supportive workplace culture where every team member can thrive. We’re committed to providing excellent products, exceptional service, and an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.

Job Summary: As NPD Manager, you will play a pivotal role in creating new products for our retail stores. The creation of these products will help drive sales within our 100+ stores and further increase the family name of Wenzel’s, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Focus will be driving New Product Development (NPD) products (cakes, breads, hot savouries and sandwiches) that will attract existing and new customers to Wenzel’s. You’ll work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure the brand’s high standards are maintained across all products, while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and ensuring commercial success.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop a one year NPD pipeline of new products, working with third parties to ensure the brand’s standards and values are maintained.
2. Build relationships with key suppliers, monitor their performance and drive innovation to expand Wenzel’s Bakers range.
3. Take ownership of the NPD process, both internally and with third-party suppliers, ensuring projects stay on track, on time and on-brand, with a key to cost effectiveness.
4. Collaborate with the technical team to ensure product quality control, consistency and compliance with all technical requirements.
5. Challenge third-party suppliers to improve production efficiencies, packaging, and manufacturing capabilities.
6. Work alongside the production and operations managers/directors to identify the right product areas and trends for Wenzel’s to explore and develop.
7. Work with the Sales Director and other SLT members to explore opportunities in all product developments.
8. Ensure the creation of all new products meet our consumer needs and are on trend with the Wenzel’s brand image.
9. Partner with the Senior Leadership team to ensure that newly developed products meet the commercial and pricing expectations, delivering on margin/financial goals and retailer requirements.

We’re looking for someone who has a passion for product development and a deep understanding of the NPD process from end to end.

Skills and Qualifications:

1. Proven experience in food/patisserie manufacturing and bakery productions.
2. Strong numerical and verbal communication skills.
3. Ability to track and analyse outcomes and report on effectiveness.
4. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
5. A positive, proactive, and results-driven approach to problem-solving.
6. Previous experience in retail or hospitality environments is a plus.
7. Strong commercial and financial acumen.

Salary, Perks & Benefits:

1. Salary £50,000 – £55,000
2. Free lunch on the days you work.
3. 50% staff discount instore.
4. Individual private healthcare insurance.
5. An additional holiday day on or around your birthday.
6. Unlimited 100% Arabica fresh ground coffee, tea, or other hot drinks.

Working Conditions:

1. Full-time position with potential for occasional evening work depending on business requirements.
2. This is an office-based role within our Head Office at Sunley House Olds Approach, Northwood, Watford, WD18 9TB, with occasional travel to various shop locations where necessary.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter, outlining their qualifications and relevant experience for the Head of NPD role.

Wenzel’s The Bakers is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Please be advised that due to the volume of applications that are made, the Company is unable to respond to every application. If you have not heard from us within a week of your application, unfortunately you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

REF: WENHO