Product Development Manager

Job description 
Embark on a rewarding career with Euro Foods UK Ltd as a valued member of our retail commercial wing in the New Product Development department as a Product Development Manager. 
Established in 1991, we have evolved into the UK's premier supplier to the ethnic Restaurant and Takeaway sector. The Company has evolved to become a leading copacker and manufacturing supplier into the Retail Multiples - join us on our exciting venture to revolutionise the world foods category. Candidates with experience in primary and value-added meat and poultry would be advantageous, though the product range is extensive. 

Job Summary: 
To be responsible for managing the on-going development activity for the business, including new product & process development, generation of product specs and effective communication with key stakeholders. 

Job Description: 

•    20% - Propose, develop, and design the innovation calendar of the company, together with Commercial, Marketing and Senior Leadership Team. 
•    10% - To drive the innovation agenda, by inspiring customers with creative applications for our new products and existing portfolio. 
•    20% - To constantly challenge existing product specifications, recipes and processes in order to drive innovation, quality improvements and reduce costs. 
•    20% - To plan, organize and execute line trials in order to transfer new product concepts into production. Ensure shelf life is validated prior to final customer product approval by site technical manager. 
•    15% - Full understanding of all aspects of product costs and use the information to monitor and budget development projects and communicate to the business. 
•    15% - To have an in-depth knowledge of the key challenges and functionality relating to all major ingredients used and to apply and communicate that knowledge as required. 

Relevant Decision (Authority Level) and Scope of the Position: 
•    All decisions related to the recipes and new product development 
•    Managing product life cycle from concept through to launch 

Challenges of the Position: 
•    Maintain a process of continuous improvement, working closely with Ops team. 
•    Ensure innovation is marketing leading. 
•    Prioritise the projects depending on the commercial impact on the company. 
•    Adapt the needs for urgent product delivery, ensuring quality, sustainability and commerciality. 

Internal Relationships: 

•    NPD department (UK, Bangladesh) 
•    Sales 
•    Marketing 
•    Technical/QA 
•    Purchasing 
•    Operations/Manufacturing 
•    Senior Leadership Team 
•    Finance 
•    Supply Chain 

External Relationships: 

•    Customers 
•    Suppliers 

Requirements: 

•    Degree (Desirable in Food Tech/Science) 
•    Knowledge in Food Technology, Food Manufacturing, understanding of meat, fish, poultry and halaal products. 
•    4 years experience in NPD, including food (require conceptual thinking and innovation). 
•    3 years in the food industry. 
•    2 years in packaging. 
•    2 years in legal labelling. 
•    3 years in project management (desirable) 
•    1 year in people management. 

Schedule: 
•    Office based in Cwmbran, NP44 3GA 
•    Will require occasional travel to customers and/or suppliers. 
•    Monday-Friday, 0900-1700 
•    28 days holiday incl. bank holidays. 
•    Supervised by Commercial. 

Salary range between £35,000-£40,000, dependent on experience. 
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent 

Benefits: 
•    Canteen 
•    Company car 
•    Company pension 
•    Free parking 
•    On-site parking 

Schedule: 
•    8 hour shift 
•    Day shift 
•    Monday to Friday 

Work Location: In person