Product Development Manager – Coated Fish

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Member of R&D functional workstreams as required

• 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