Assistant Product Development Manager

Nomad Foods Inc; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the FMCG sector is seeking a Product Development Specialist to support innovation strategies and ensure consumer-led product development. The role involves managing technical projects, understanding consumer needs, and collaborating with external partners to deliver superior products. Ideal candidates will have a relevant science degree and experience in product development.

Qualifications

• Relevant Science Degree or experience in FMCG product development.
• Eager to understand and anticipate consumer behaviour.
• Experience of concept development & rapid prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Support product design and execution of innovation strategy.
• Manage technical workstreams for NPD/EPD.
• Build relationships with external supply base and stakeholders.

Skills

Consumer behaviour understanding

Technical project management

Recipe manipulation

Data analysis

Education

Relevant Science Degree

Job description

Overview

ROLE PURPOSE:

This role is known for supporting the Product Design and Execution of an Innovation Strategy, this can be for a Segment or a Cluster.

BUSINESS IMPACT:

This role is essential for the successful delivery of consumer-led innovation (NPD, EPD) and maintenance of the existing product portfolio. The role should ensure we continue to delight consumers & remain relevant & competitive in a changing world

Responsibilities

R&D Programmes are built with the consumer in mind

• All product development has a foundation in consumer needs
• Shows a curiosity about our consumer habits, practices, usage, needs & preference drivers within the allocated product area
• Has a view of the category landscape is curious about our competitors and carries out benchmarking, reporting on the “so what” to help influence product / category direction

Product Development

• Through having a good understanding of key ingredients is able to manipulate recipes to meet consumer needs
• Is able to review and suggest recipe changes as part of a portfolio review (harmonisation / fuel for growth)
• Has an appreciation for our manufacturing processes and can suggest changes to achieve a superior product whilst ensuring an efficient manufacturing operation
• Has the ability to scientifically design trials to ensure a positive outcome
• Builds relationships with the external supply base, co-packers and third parties

Technical Project Management

• Understands the innovation process and is able to project manage simple technical workstreams (NPD/EPD) in accordance with the agreed procedures to ensure successful and timely delivery of the project
• Uses data to make recommendations and design trials to test hypothesis
• Understands the importance of stakeholder management and is able to build and maintain relationships with other colleagues

Qualifications

• Relevant Science Degree or experience in an FMCG product development/Technical role
• Proficient in English language
• Eager to understand and anticipate consumer behaviour
• Experience of concept development & rapid prototyping
• Experience of designing and performing simple benchscale / factory trials