NPD Controller

This role is a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.

Reporting into the Group Head of Development & Innovation drive the Oscar Mayer group development & innovation strategy with current & potential customers through the site development team.

Drive the Oscar Mayer development process to deliver the development requirements of strategic customers. Development must be targeted & profitable for the business in line with meeting consumer, customer and category objectives.

Support the Head of Development in achieving the site (budgetary) targets & initiatives, through management of the concept team.

Drive the Oscar Mayer food & innovation platform (Foodizm) through the business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Deliver the Oscar Mayer development & innovation strategy through the site concept team, creating YOY growth plans through organic & incremental targets with strategic customers.
• Working with the site Head of Development, relevant marketing & commercial team members, oversee & drive 18-month development plans with strategic customers through the Product Managers (in line with the group development & site strategies).
• Work with the other Oscar Mayer site Heads of Development to review workloads & enable concept resource to be shared across sites where necessary.
• With the Head of Development, lead & drive the implementation of the Oscar Mayer development process at a site level to accommodate all customer processes, targeted to improve efficiency & development strike rates YOY.
• Support the Group Head of Development & Innovation to drive the OM development agenda at a business & site level. Lead the Foodzim agenda and champion PR internally/externally with communication.
• Manage the Foodizm spend in line with Group innovation budget & with the sites.
• Lead strategic development projects for the group in conjunction with the supplier sourcing teams. Build influential relationships (internally & externally) to manage expectations and deliver dynamic developmental progress.
• Build relationships and engage all key site stakeholders to drive the development agenda in line with site budget targets and PIP plans.
• Aligned with key business & site targets, support & grow direct reports through setting specific objectives and personal development plans for the concept team.
• Support the Group Head of Development & Innovation with strategic commercial projects, through facilitating the Foodizm platform and strategic sourcing teams.

CORE COMPETENCIES (Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience)

• Qualified to degree level or above in Food Science or a related subject
• Strong and proven track record of NPD achievement at senior level
• Demonstrable experience of successfully leading a team
• Strong financial and project management skill set
• Sound communication and negotiation skills teamed with professional ‘gravitas’
• Proven track record of deliverable innovation
• Minimum 5 years team management experience
• Chilled food manufacturing experience