Product Development Manager

My job We have an exciting opportunity to join the Pilgrims Europe Product & Innovation team with a vacancy for a Product Development Manager based at our Shillelagh site. This role will work closely with both the New Product Development & New Product Introduction Teams in nurturing a food culture in the business, in line with our journey to become a world class food company. Working closely with our site & customer teams in all aspects of bringing new products to market - from the initial concept right through to product launch. The successful Candidate will be driving the management of projects and critical paths which lead to successful product launches underpinned with consumer and commercial understanding. Key areas of responsibility include (but not limited to) : To work closely with the Head of Product & Process, Development Chefs , Site & Customer Teams to determine customer orientated and commercially viable NPD activity in response to customer briefs and innovation. Organize innovation sessions internally and customer-facing, working in collaboration with the category team to bring customer and market focus to all NPD. Ensure that the Pilgrims' Europe Concept to Launch Gate process is adhered to through all stages. Taking ownership and driving products, with the NPD, NPI & NWT teams, through each Gate. Generate a weekly NPD work plan managing team workload and holidays. Complete regular one to ones with direct reports ensuring goals are aligned to the business & site strategy. Lead & Coach direct reports to maximize potential & support high performance. Collaboratively with the NWT create customer roadmaps aligned to trends and site capability. Using the Innovation Platforms to communicate forward looking plans that gives the business visibility of and confidence in the fact that the opportunities are being maximized. Deliver against budgets set by the business and contribute towards customer E2E and DTV projects. Support customer facing teams for all enquiries concerning the products you're working on, keeping them informed of any outcomes and making sure that all their needs are met. Skills and Knowledge : Food related degree and / or a minimum of 5 years Product Development experience in the food industry is essential Product Costing & P74 Recipe Professor Experience Experience running factory trials Experience working within a structured development environment using a stage gate process. Ability to lead and manage a team, in addition to manage their own portfolio of development projects. Project management skills IT Proficiency - Excel / Word / PowerPoint Ingredient Knowledge / Food Passion Previous experience in the Food Industry Must have a full clean Irish driving license What We Offer : Competitive salary Career development opportunities within a growing, forward-thinking business Competitive annual leave 24 / 7 Employee Assistance Programme Refer a Friend Scheme, Stars Awards, Wellbeing Initiatives, Long Service Awards Free site Car Parking, Life Assurance and many more The company Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets. Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products. Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login / Register.