Product Developer
You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam and the UK. We work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Household, Pet grooming, Reusable Bags, Health & Beauty, and Snacks. This role will be based at our Manchester Office and will have some travel to our Head Office in Christchurch, Dorset. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis - we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be passionate about product in these areas - developing into licenced, branded opportunities. We are looking for an individual who can multi-task, knows how to prioritise, learn quickly, and be open to a challenge - previous experience in a similar role is preferable. This is an excellent opportunity in showcasing your creativity while working with our global supplier partners to lead the creation and delivery of this category.
Key Responsibilities:
- Comprehensive, relevant and up to date understanding of the categories, retail trends and packaging trends that influence the customer, the market and potential product direction
* In depth understanding of our competitor product categories, emerging trends and the products within them.
* Understanding and ability to clearly articulate tiering where relevant with clear product values.
* Set and deliver the product plan
* Interpret internal and external sources of data and customer insight to create product proposition plans.
Key aspects of the role will include
* Identify and drive new product development and product upgrades against a plan
* Deliver products and ranges that are targeted and exceed customer expectations
* Manage cross functional relationships with our overseas offices, maintaining our One Team culture at all times
* Manage our critical paths and ensure communication is at the front of mind
* Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure visibility throughout the business and alignment in the development process
* Write clear briefs and communicate efficiently with our production teams globally
* Be able to work with large amounts of detail
* Arrange samples, costs, and presentations for customer meetings
* Develop and engage with the wider team on new product concepts. Schedule workflow, approve product samples and assure quality standards through all stages of new product development
* Understand the market, product trends and research, including talking to customers and visiting customer stores. Assess competitors' products to identify important features and compare performance with equivalent company products
* Happy to travel to our office locations across the UK
Candidate requirements
* Product management and/or product development or brand management experience
* Ideally 1-3 years' experience in Retail industry or similar
* A willingness to learn and improve and have a 'hands on' approach
* Can show examples or cross functional working
* Appetite to learn new categories and explore new product ranges
* Confident in communicating and developing relationships with internal and external sources
* Strong time management and a proactive work ethic
* Strong collaboration, communication, and project management skills
* Fluent use of Microsoft Office - Outlook, Excel and Power Point
* Fluent use of online platforms for virtual meetings and presentations
In turn we offer:
- Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
* 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
* Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
* Great learning and development and progression opportunities
* Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
* Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
* Generous Company Sick Pay
* Pension Scheme Contribution
* Social events run by our inhouse Social Team
* Cycle to Work scheme
