Product Development Manager (PDM)

Overview:

ROLE PURPOSE: Leads the co-development of the strategy for the Pizza Must Win Battle, ensuring that we continue to win now and in the future. PDM is expected to actively implement the strategy development within their MWBs & Secondary Battlefields & is accountable for developing & delivering the Innovation pipeline & associated R&D work programme to meet the MWB growth & renovation targets.

This role is essential for the successful creation & delivery of a pipeline of consumer-led innovation (NPD, EPD) to deliver the financial targets of their MWBs. They ensure that their product portfolio (new & existing) continue to delight consumers & remain relevant & competitive in a changing world.

Responsibilities:

• Developing an R&D portfolio that represents the key priorities for each MWB, and is fully consistent with the focus on “fewer, bigger, better” with clear R&D deliverables, working in collaboration with Marketing and R&D Packaging
• Actively manage their portfolio for maximum RoI, flagging the need for prioritisation discussions and decisions when necessary
• Responsible for implementation across in house factories and Copack
• Leads across F4G, Insourcing and Business Continuity projects
• Manages product delivery across Brand, PL, Export and FS Channels as per business requirements

• Provides accurate & informative input to gate documents
• All new developments are consistent with the CSR strategy and Nutrition/ Health targets

• Deployment of their R&D resources to deliver maximum return on investment
• Developing individuals within their team and championing their Career Development Programmes
• Delivering their programme within a budget agreed with the R&D Head of Category or Regional R&D Lead

• Product strategies for key products in their portfolio to ensure they remain relevant and maintain competitive advantage
• Product superiority vs our key competitor, for lead skus in each MWB
• ICM leadership across the segment portfolio

• Member of R&D functional workstreams as required

Qualifications:

• Relevant Science Degree or significant experience in an FMCG product development/Technical role
• Proficient in English language
• Track record of successful innovation within food or other FMCG category
• Eager to understand and anticipate consumer behaviour
• Experience of concept development & rapid prototyping
• Basic understanding of the role of Intellectual property (patents, exclusivity, know-how and trade secrets) to generate competitive advantage