Global Head of Product Development - Convenience (Interim) in Kings Hill

Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑 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 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 #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve 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 on convenience. This role will provide end-to-end ownership of Westfalia’s Convenience global Portfolio and New Product Development (NPD) portfolio, ensuring innovation is aligned with commercial priorities, margin growth and long-term strategic objectives.

The Global Head Product Development will introduce a unified global innovation framework, standardising development processes and strengthening 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 activity consistently converts into commercial success.

Responsibilities include:

• 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

Requirements

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 pasteurizing) 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

We value your efforts, and we show it not only with words but also with actions. You receive an attractive salary, tailored to your education and experience. You work full-time with flexible hours. The extensive package of extra-legal benefits includes many vacation days, hospitalization and group insurance, a mobile phone, meal vouchers, and eco vouchers. You get a versatile job with impact, a lot of independence, and growth opportunities. You can take home dips, avocado bowls, and many other avocado treats. Even outside the workplace, the guacsquad is a close-knit and fun group. From the annual team building to jogging in the forests of Wingene, playing padel, or the legendary football tournaments. And of course, the fun lunch breaks.