Product Development Manager - 18 Month FTC

Booker Group; Irthlingborough; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail firm in the UK seeks Product Development Managers to deliver new products from inception to launch, focusing on Own Brand Projects. The role involves defining product propositions, managing stakeholders, and ensuring brand standards. Candidates should have experience in the FMCG industry and a passion for product development. Benefits include discounts, health support, and a retirement savings plan.

Benefits

10% off purchases at Booker

Tesco colleague discount card

Free eye test

Health checks at Tesco Pharmacy

Life Assurance

A great holiday package

Qualifications

• Previous experience of working in the FMCG industry within Product Development.
• Strong data analysis to deliver a data led and informed proposition.
• Project management experience with focus on continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the proposition for your product area.
• Be a custodian for our Own Brand, overseeing brand guidelines.
• Lead cross-functional teams to turn concepts into propositions.

Skills

Data analysis

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Understanding of brand standards

Customer insight

FMCG industry experience

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Do you have a passion for product? Are you looking for an opportunity to deliver new products from inception to development and to launch? If the answer is yes then Booker could have the perfect role for you!!

Booker Group are looking for 3 Product Development Managers (known internally as Product & Brand Manager), on 18 month fixed term contracts to support our Own Brand Projects.

In this role, you will define & deliver the proposition for your product area in line with the overarching brand plan as well as support the strategic roles and intent/category planning process to drive growth.

You’ll be a custodian for our Own Brand, owning and developing, implementing and oversee the brand guidelines, pro actively assessing and driving the quality agenda of our ranges and have accountability for the end to end delivery of any new products.

There will be some flexibility to work from our other Support Centres (Watford, High Wycombe, & Eccles) as well as some limited home working. Where applicable, the role also comes with a car allowance, due to this role requiring regular travel to business locations including our test kitchen. More details about this can be discussed at interview.

Main Responsibilities

• Defining, developing & driving the proposition for your product area in line with the overarching brand plan.
• Supporting the strategic roles and intent/category planning process to drive growth.
• Be a custodian for our Own Brand, owning and developing, implementing and oversee the brand keys and guidelines.
• Pro actively assessing and driving the quality agenda of our ranges.
• Be accountable for the end to end delivery of any new products.
• Creating and supporting compelling and insight led c
• Working with cross-functional teams to turn concepts into propositions across the 6P's.
• Supporting the roles and intent planning process for category building pipelines and platforms for growth.
• Visiting our supplier partners to understand their production capabilities for future opportunities.
• Keeping updated with trends in product & packaging, competitor activity & market dynamics & sharing with the team
• Actively using the Tesco platform of Insight Out as a key data source
• Lead the natural work teams to lead and deliver the propositions in your work area
• Leading the product development process with my natural work team & suppliers, ensuring quality for customers and all new products have clear customer & business rationale.
• Ensuring all our products are formulated in line with our product rules, corporate initiatives & brand guidelines.
• Owning & managing the critical path and artwork process using our product development systems, effective stakeholder management and communication to ensure all products are launched on time.
• Being an advocate for Booker brands, sharing expertise and passion for product though actively participating in events and initiatives.
• Pro-actively seek opportunities to elevate the customer & colleague exposure and understanding of our brands. Your passion for product shows up at all occasions.
• Establish clear project plans and budgets to ensure successful delivery (pro-actively managing risk)
• Actively lead design agencies from briefings through to delivery, developing the design strategy and always ensuring creative excellence
• Ensure projects follow Booker design process and milestone process
• Manage and prioritise workflow
• Actively assess and action the quality of own brands in conjunction with the natural work team
• Govern any changes in the packaging to be implemented by the packaging team
• Championing diversity and inclusion ensuring everyone feels welcome at Booker

You will need

• Previous experience of working in the FMCG industry within Product Development
• A true passion for products (we'd love to see it in your application too!)
• Strong data analysis to deliver a data led and informed proposition
• A natural passion and curiosity for products evidenced by up to date knowledge of market, competitor and industry trends and activity
• Understand the importance of brand standards and how to apply them and drive consistency in compliance
• The ability to effectively engage stakeholders, continually managing expectations
• Customer/market insight/commercial acumen
• Be proactive and self driven and able to motivate and mentor others
• Highly organised and able to manage different priorities and workflows
• Project management experience with focus on continuous improvement
• The ability to manage, influence and negotiate with all levels.

What's in it for you

At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits:

• A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
• After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year. In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
• 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through-out the year.
• Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
• Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates
• An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
• After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
• Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
• Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay
• Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
• A great holiday package