At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global product development for convenience food, driving innovation and strategy.
- Company: Join Westfalia Fruit, the leading avocado experts with a global presence.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, flexible hours, comprehensive benefits, and company-provided avocado treats.
- Other info: Collaborate with international teams and engage with market stakeholders for innovative success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a versatile role with opportunities for growth and independence.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Technology or related field; extensive R&D experience in food industry.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Come and join the leading experts. Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value‑added products to global markets. Through our vertically‑integrated supply chain, we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market high quality avocadoes & fresh produce 365 days a year across the globe. With the largest avocado‑growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading avocado experts and considered the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers served from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.
We’re looking for a Global Head of Product Development – Convenience to join our Senior Leadership team in Westfalia International on an interim basis (3‑6 months). Westfalia Fruit is seeking a Global Head of Product Development – Convenience to lead and transform the global convenience innovation strategy and product development agenda. This role will provide end‑to‑end ownership of Westfalia’s Convenience global portfolio and NPD portfolio, ensuring innovation is aligned with commercial priorities, margin growth and long‑term strategic objectives.
The Global Head of Product Development will introduce a unified global innovation framework, standardise development processes and strengthen collaboration between Commercial, Supply Chain, Operations and regional Product Development teams. This role will lead and develop regional Product Development specialists, ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, and accelerate speed‑to‑market so that the innovation pipeline consistently converts into commercial success.
Responsibilities
- Define and deliver a global convenience product development strategy aligned to commercial growth.
- Build a consistent, scalable innovation approach across regions to reduce duplication and improve delivery.
- Lead the long‑term innovation roadmap, balancing new product innovation with continuous improvement.
- Own the end‑to‑end NPD lifecycle from concept through to launch and commercialisation.
- Implement and manage stage‑gate processes to ensure quality, accountability and timely delivery.
- Prioritise projects based on commercial value, customer demand and operational feasibility.
- Partner cross‑functionally with Commercial, Supply Chain, Operations and production sites to deliver scalable products.
- Engage with customers and market stakeholders to translate insights into viable product opportunities.
- Lead and develop regional product development teams, building capability and technical expertise.
- Oversee project delivery, timelines and portfolio performance while identifying gaps and growth opportunities.
Essential Experience, Qualifications & Skills
- Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Food Technology, Food Science or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience leading R&D and product development functions within the food industry.
- Demonstrated experience delivering new product development within fresh, chilled or frozen food categories.
- Strong expertise implementing stage‑gate innovation processes and NPD governance frameworks.
- Proven ability to lead complex cross‑functional innovation programmes across international markets.
- Strong project and portfolio management capability with experience overseeing multiple product development initiatives simultaneously.
- Experience working closely with commercial teams, customers and production environments to bring products to market.
- Leadership experience managing international R&D teams and external development partners.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and customer partners.
Desirable Experience, Qualifications & Skills
- Experience working with fresh produce or HPP (high pressure pasteurising) processes.
- Experience in frozen fruit, IQF technologies or dried fruit product development.
- Exposure to brand management, portfolio strategy or marketing collaboration.
- Experience working with retail or foodservice customers in international markets.
- Experience leading innovation strategy within global FMCG or food manufacturing organisations.
- Additional languages including Spanish, French or German would be beneficial.
Benefits
- Attractive salary tailored to your education and experience.
- Full‑time employment with flexible hours.
- Comprehensive benefit package, including vacation days, hospital and group insurance, a mobile phone, meal vouchers and eco vouchers.
- Opportunities for growth, independence and impact in a versatile role.
- Company-provided avocado products and treats.
Global Head of Product Development - Convenience (Interim) in Kent employer: Westfalia Fruit
Westfalia Fruit is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a leading multinational supplier of fresh produce, we provide our employees with comprehensive benefits, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive culture that values independence and impact. Join us in our mission to redefine convenience in the food industry while enjoying unique perks like company-provided avocado products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Head of Product Development - Convenience (Interim) in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want to see your passion for avocados and fresh produce shine through! Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate how your experience aligns with the Global Head of Product Development role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Product Development - Convenience (Interim) in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Global Head of Product Development – Convenience. Highlight your experience in R&D and product development, especially within the food industry, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this interim role. Share specific examples of how you've led innovation strategies or managed cross-functional teams, and make sure to connect your experience with our goals at Westfalia Fruit.
Showcase Your Passion for Fresh Produce:We love what we do, and we want to see that same passion from you! In your application, express your enthusiasm for fresh produce and how you can contribute to our mission of being the leading avocado experts. Let us know why this role excites you!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Westfalia Fruit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westfalia Fruit
✨Know Your Product Development Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and innovations in product development, especially within the food industry. Brush up on your knowledge of fresh produce, NPD processes, and how to implement stage-gate frameworks effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing international R&D projects. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully influenced stakeholders and driven innovation strategies in previous roles.
✨Align with Commercial Priorities
Understand Westfalia Fruit's commercial goals and be prepared to discuss how your vision for the convenience product development strategy aligns with their objectives. Think about how you can contribute to margin growth and long-term success.
✨Engage with Real Market Insights
Demonstrate your ability to translate customer insights into viable product opportunities. Bring examples of how you've engaged with customers or market stakeholders to inform your product development decisions in the past.
