Product Development Manager

About the role

This position requires a detailed understanding of the development process and advanced knowledge of technologies to contribute to project objectives and outcomes. This role will be working under the supervision of a Customer PD Manager/Head PD.

The PD Manager executes the Customer PD & PE function within the country scope. The PD Manager acts as the face to the customer by advising customers in application and choice of the right product suitable for their setup and also face to the factory as the technical lead (PE) for the respective projects which he/she leads.  This position also requires to provide technical support and organize training courses about the full product range and application for existing and new customers with support from other teams like the Technical services team. The PD Manager gets guidance and support from Head of PD, SEA on complex activities, ad hoc requests, and key issues in the execution of their duties.

Key Responsibilities include

Customer PD related;

• Ensure to maintain a good overview of projects for the accounts & also customer capabilities, product portfolio, future projects and launches.
• Acts as the face to the customer by advising customers in application and choice of the right product range, suitable to the installation and physical environment of the customer’s needs.
• Work closely with and advise Sales and Marketing linked to specific product or application needs suitable to the brand’s operational footprint and align on product presentations.
• Provide technical support to existing and new customers, and create new market opportunities.
• Assure development of internal and external clients’ relations and maintain communication.
• Present findings such as customer needs and views internally to achieve shared goals.
• Ensure that a long-term application service is maintained and reviewed with all customers. Take the lead in organizing/running trainings, assigning the right people and involve other R&D functions where necessary – for customers and potentially internal staff as well.

Product Expert related;

• Functional Activities - Product Expert related
• Request internal and external sensory tests with QA, e.g. Perform Panel Tests
• Support Process Engineer during Industrial trials when required
• Assess the request from technical Point of View, e.g. Discuss Feasibility of a project with operations, production, QA or Technical Advisor
• Identify, inform and organize project members and stakeholders, e.g. Establish a team for innovation or large projects, organize team meetings
• Collaborate with Subcontractors for NPI at their Facilities
• Support OSCO in defining business case for investment, analyze and get approval
• Assess and approve usability of existing raw material, label and packaging.
• Obtain insight in existing production possibilities, e.g. Ask approval from planning for big volume projects
• Analyze customer or competitor Sample
• Define primary, secondary and tertiary packaging requirements, define layout and provisional content of label and request for new packaging information/specs to supplier

About You

• Education: Bachelor / Master Degree in Business Administration, Food Science or similar
• 6-8 years of experience in the food industry
• Experience in project management
• Outstanding presentation skills
• Experience in Sales or client interaction
• Good knowledge of working tools (MS Office, Salesforce, SAP)
• Fluent Business English