Head of New Product Development

Our client:

• Extremely successful, global market leading consumer brand, with £multi billion turnover
• Customers first choice in the sector they operate, highly innovative with extremely high levels of consumer engagement across all channels
• Head of NPD will lead a small team to define and deliver the food and beverage strategy that will deliver growth, customer delight and brand excellence.
• Fantastic culture with a genuine care and focus on employees
• Role split between West London office (2-3 days a week) and home (2-3 days a week)

The role:

• As Head of NPD, you will set the strategic direction for food and drink innovation playing a key role in growing sales and margin of a key food category. You will develop and implement strategic and operational plans focused on developing brand consistent, consumer led innovative products,
• Leading a small team the Head of NPD will be responsible for developing a product category strategy focusing on product, packaging, price, promotion and in store operation and display.
• The Head of NPD will lead, develop and support the team to exceed expectations.
• Working loosely with key stakeholders across the business both in the UK and with global teams the Head of NPD will develop and execute the strategy launching new ranges, reinvigorating existing ranges and manage the end-to-end product life cycle.
• The Head of NPD will have commercial ownership of the innovation strategy assessing commercial performance and taking appropriate action to address or accelerate performance.
• In the role the Head of NPD will ensure the team monitor and immerse themselves in trends and insight working closely with suppliers to deliver the category strategic direction developing innovative products, packaging and end to end concepts.
• The Head of NPD will own and lead the end-to-end process from idea to roll out to stores

Ideal candidate:

• You will have in depth NPD and category management gained from either UK food retail or hospitality and will have operated in a leadership position.
• For the role it is essential to have a combination of fantastic product development expertise combined with excellent commercial awareness.
• The Head of NPD will have a proven track record of developing food concepts and products which meet consumer needs and match brand values
• It is essential that you have managed at least 3 team members
• You will have in depth of experience of working with the supply base and managing NPD projects
• Ideally you will have an understanding of operational capabilities and be able to consider these as part of your role
• It is essential for the Head of NPD to be a self-starter and be able to support and develop a team
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to thrive in a large matrix company culture
• You will have fantastic influencing skills and have a collaborative style with a proven track record of engaging and working with internal and external stakeholders at all levels across multiple functions

Benefits & details:

• Excellent package – up to £100,000 plus excellent benefits  
• Location = Role split between West London office (2 -3 days a week) and home (2 -3 days a week)

Please send your CV using the form on this page, quoting reference 1/17770/7. Confidentiality assured.

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