Product Development Manager - 18 Month FTC

Booker; Little Irchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK wholesaler is looking for a passionate Product Development Manager for an 18-month fixed term contract. The role involves delivering product propositions and managing the end-to-end delivery of new products while supporting brand guidelines. Candidates should have a background in FMCG, strong data analysis skills, and a proactive approach. The position offers a flexible working model, including some home working options and a car allowance.

Benefits

Car allowance

Flexibility to work from different locations

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Previous experience in the FMCG industry within Product Development.
• Strong data analysis skills to support a data-led proposition.
• Ability to effectively engage stakeholders and manage expectations.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the proposition for the product area.
• Support the strategic planning process to drive growth.
• Own and manage the critical path and artwork process.

Skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Proactive attitude

Market insight

Organizational skills

Job description

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.

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.
• Bea 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 forcategory 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 theteam
• 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, sharingexpertise 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

Qualifications

• 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.

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites, as well as six support centre locations across the UK.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.

We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.

We’re proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed employer and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support you can expect, please contact [e-mail]

Please note

We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles.

On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.

*Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however, is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from those offered at Tesco*

For more information about us please visit www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk