Product Developer: Biscuits at DAV Professional Placement Group

Responsibilities:

Integrate and implement product strategy into development plans for the relevant department

• Understand the retail competitor market & customer need states to meet and exceed expectations.
• Apply customer & trends insights into product development briefs for suppliers.

Drive and maintain a world-class sustainable product and packaging standard and framework:

• Integrate with Central Quality & Suppliers to conduct and analyse comparative and directional benchmarking and translate outcomes into product plans where applicable.
• Display a clear understanding of the science (baking, raw materials and their impact on final product, aesthetics, sensorial elements, safety aspects) of the relevant category, while keeping abreast and implementing new advancements where relevant.

Inspire and influence the product teams and key stakeholders to deliver industry leadership positions:

• Collaboratively and inclusively integrate with key stakeholders in achieving key product development milestones, ensuring a commercial and sustainability lens is considered at all times.
• Timeously achieve milestones by consistently encouraging and aligning quality outputs.

Amplify and embody an environment of creativity, growth, knowledge and empowerment:

• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to quality, setting a high standard for the team to follow.
• Understand and actively share culinary and technical product knowledge with suppliers, matrix, and PD teams.

Drive, integrate, and own product development processes and supporting systems:

• Ensure alignment and integration with the Packaging Support Specialist to ensure packaging is considered throughout the development process.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of how delicious products are developed from conceptualisation to post-launch on shelf, including production processes within our supplier base.

Essential Skills & Experience Required:

• Relevant Degree/ Diploma/ Qualification in Food and Consumer Science
• 3-5 years’ experience in the food industry or relevant industry experience
• Experience in Food product development, Retail, FMCG brand management
• Experience of working cross functionally or within a matrix organization
• Experience within the field of brand management, product ranging, and development
• Demonstrate strategic intent and holistic approach
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Project Management skills
• Product Expertise in baking