Working as a key leader within the NPD team of this busy factory the Product Manager / Senior NPD Technologist needs to work closely with the commercial colleague of AFF and then manage all projects through the development process to a successful launch

Throughout the process managing the critical path, customer expectations and ensuring that products are successfully launched, safe and inline with the company’s HACCP plan and meeting each individual customer’s codes of practice

The role requires the team member to liaise with all stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure the timeline is achievable including the process team, specifications team, purchasing and operational team members

Tasks will include but not be limited to the following:

Working closely with the commercial team on all projects

Supporting in identifying new development opportunities in your customers portfolio with the commercial team

Close communication with the customer leading all project calls and visits

Represent the development team at both internal and external meetings

Be a key contact with the customer development and technical representatives ensuring all communication is completed to the highest standard, answer queries and questions in a timely manner

Ensure that all process development issues are considered into all new product development projects from concept to launch ensuring that products can be successfully manufactured consistently after launch

Managing the critical path from ideation stage through to concept approval and to launch

Ensure all product development meet internal business plans and approval at each gate is sought.

Ensure all external customers brand standards, competencies and expectations

Liaising with the production, planning and process team to ensure trials are successful, completed in the time required of the critical path and are fully documented

Managing and coordinating sample submissions, nutritional and micro testing

Writing and reviewing QAS and factory line standards

Producing high quality customer samples

Supporting with product specification writing

Completing and documentation of over life standards

Benchmarking the market

Supporting the costing process and alerting the business to any risks in the ingredient of choice

Comply with the sites HACCP procedures and develop products which fit into the allergen management plan

Completing the post launch reviews

Ensuring that all products are completely documented through the gate process and all required sign offs are received prior to the project continuing through the development process

Advise the Head of NPD of any training needs of you or your colleagues

Keep abreast of technical and legal updates

Understand the market and consider any trends which could be incorporated into the development process