Responsible for specific senior accounts regarding delivering new products from concept, approval, launch, to include planning and executing trials. Support the Head of NPD and NPD Manager to co-ordinate the NPD function to deliver project priorities and NPD strategies
• Be the voice of the customer to ensure that the customers NPD needs are delivered in line with IDF policies and strategies
• Oversee the weekly NPD trial plan to implement NPD trials and bring new products from concept to fruition through the stage-gated New Product Introduction (NPI) process
• Agree targets in line with the critical path, in performing trials and testing regimes of new product/raw materials
• Manage new products through the New Product Implementation process to ensure successful launches of new products into the marketplace
• Lead continuous improvement projects to advance current products and drive value for the business
• Conduct market research of pet food, new ingredients, and any developing or new legislation to evolve the product offering to meet consumer trends and evolving legislation
• Ensure that the development of new product ideas is always in line with the requirements of the HACCP/HARPC system to ensure food safety
• Work in a cohesive manner with all departments including Marketing, Sales, Production, Maintenance, Administration, Technical, and Purchasing as appropriate to progress the NPD/NPI processes
• Proactively manage NPD projects in line with IDF policies or strategies
• Understand and interpret EU and export market legislation and adapt to any factors that may limit access of our products
• Minimum 3-year food industry experience within a similar discipline
• B.Sc. Food Technology/Food Science/Nutritional Science or related discipline
• Direct meat experience would be advantageous
• Knowledge of food/meat processing technology
• Commercial aptitude and awareness
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and be self-organised and disciplined
• Demonstrate an energetic, self-motivated and flexible approach in all matters
• Proficient in MS Office and other relevant systems