Product Developer

John Lewis Partnership; Bracknell; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Product Developer to join their innovative Waitrose Own Brand team. This role offers the chance to create high-quality products that resonate with customers while navigating the dynamic grocery landscape. You will leverage your expertise in product development and market trends to ensure successful product launches and maintain strong supplier relationships. With a hybrid working model, you'll enjoy the flexibility of balancing office and remote work, making this an exciting opportunity for those eager to make a significant impact in the food and drinks sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development within manufacturing or retail.
• Ability to analyze customer and market data for product development.

Responsibilities

• Develop product proposition plans based on market insights.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure efficient delivery of NPD projects.

Skills

Product Development

Market Analysis

Stakeholder Management

NPD Capabilities

Food and Drinks Market Trends

Education

Qualifications in Food or Horticulture

Job description

Apply on JLP Jobs - the official careers website for John Lewis Partnership, John Lewis & Partners, and Waitrose & Partners.

Role Details

• Expected salary: £55,000 - £70,000
• Contract type: We have 3 permanent positions available
• Working pattern/flexible working: The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. The Own Brand team aim for around 3 days a week in the office to connect and on a more ad-hoc basis to attend key meetings.
• Location: This role is based at our Bracknell Head Office, but will include travel to suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Stay informed about customer strategy, insights, market trends, and consumer preferences in food, lifestyle, packaging, and ingredients to anticipate current and future customer needs.
2. Utilize insights and data to develop product proposition plans, ensuring quick market entry and commercial viability.
3. Understand and articulate tiering principles (good, better, best) aligned with Waitrose own brand strategy.
4. Leverage knowledge of NPD capabilities within the supply base to support quality and innovation, contributing to supplier strategy discussions for ambient drinks.
5. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient delivery of NPD projects, following stage-gate development processes and meeting critical deadlines.

Essential Skills and Experience

1. Passion for products with an active interest in food and drinks market trends, applying knowledge to product development.
2. Experience in product development within manufacturing or retail, including launching major NPD/brand projects from start to finish.
3. Proven track record of developing high-quality, commercially successful products and managing suppliers.
4. Ability to analyze and interpret customer and market data.
5. Stakeholder management skills with the ability to present to all levels.

Desirable Skills and Experience

1. Further qualifications in food, grocery, or horticulture.
2. Buying experience and product technical expertise.
3. Project management skills.

Additional Information

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Waitrose Own Brand team as a Product Developer across various roles in fresh and ambient food categories. You will develop and deliver innovative, high-quality products aligned with our brand values, while understanding and managing the commercial aspects of development in the grocery environment. Building and maintaining strong NPD relationships with suppliers is a key part of this role.