Senior Product Development Manager - New Product Development - Own Brand - Own Label

Own label new product development is key to our business strategy, driving quality, innovation and newness for our Asda customers to enjoy. The Senior Product Development Manager will be responsible for leading a team of Product Development Managers across a diverse product area that includes Ready Meals, Food To Go, Pizza, Chilled Savoury Products and Cafe. Shaping and delivering the overall brand and trading strategy through the development and implementation of own label products that deliver quality, innovation and newness.

Working closely with a broad range of stakeholders, you will be a recognised expert in food product development, with a track record of successfully delivering new products.

The ins and outs:

• To set the individual targets and implement the plans for delivering Quality - benchmarking, customer complaint management, consistency within specific food categories
• Lead the development of products that adhere to Asda's technical and nutritional policies
• Ensure suppliers meet Asda policies and deliver products against the agreed specifications set, measuring supplier performance through spotlight reviews
• Ensure the Food Sourcing Plan for Own label is implemented through partnering with the Trading teams to deliver commitments
• Drive innovation & product development to deliver newness and incremental sales for Asda, inputting into the strategic brand plans
• Approval of all new products for own label food category being proposed
• Ensure that the team are trained effectively with regards to product specifications (labelling spec) and delivering against required due diligence
• Support internal / external PR of own brand through presentation to key colleagues at events both internally and externally
• Engage with Senior Category Director and Senior Buying Manager to drive own brand plan delivery
• Accountable to drive and deliver cost savings through continued focus on process optimisation
• Leadership of the team, ensuring key people processes are enacted (appraisals, talent management, talent and career development, performance management and colleague engagement)

What you'll need:

• Food Science / Food technology (Food)/ Science / Retail / Manufacturing background
• Track record of leading an innovative food product development team
• Science / Manufacturing background
• Excellent influencing skills and the ability to engage wider teams and stakeholders
• A track record of setting a clear vision and creating the right plan for delivery
• Ability to set a clear vision and create right plans for delivery
• Ability to distil complex challenges
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Communication skills
• A passion for new product innovation