Senior Manager - Product Development - Processed Foods

Candidate Profile :

- Have experience in handling Retail/Cash & Carry Private Brands in past Jobs.

- Excellent communication skills (ability to communicate across all levels of the business both internally and externally).

- Troubleshooting and problem solving - ability to foresee problems at the pre-press level and make amendments accordingly.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS & BEHAVIOURS :

- Product Knowledge

- Brand Development Knowledge

- Sourcing Knowledge

- Understanding of Trends

- Pricing / Negotiation Skills

- Computer Know how

- Strong influencing and Presentation Skills

- Good Communication Skills

- Interpersonal relations & Influencing Skills

- Technical Knowledge

- Team Player

- Retail Knowledge ( General Trade, Modern Trade)

JOB PURPOSE :

Product Development :

- Supplier Identification and supplier development : Source the product range from an Ethically and socially compliant factory as specified and work for regional /alternate suppliers to strengthen supplier base

- Hand hold, support and train supplier to deliver as per required standards

- Share production forecast with suppliers, work with them to take production run, ensure packaging material and other accessories for timely supplies

- Co-ordinate with Packaging and develop suitable packaging for new products. Ensure all legal compliances on packaging.

- Prepare a responsible and sustainable sourcing strategy

- Prepare a solid negotiation platform basis deep market and product studies which is basically on a cost plus model

- Liaison with Buying & PB Business Management Team to understand their challenges and offer a compelling and suitable private brand solution

- Liaison with Quality team to ensure high quality items production and develop suppliers to Upgrade their quality standards

- Interact with members to understand needs and take feedback for improvisation

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES :

1. Product Development

2. Liaison with PB Business Management & Buying team

3. New Vendor On-boarding & Vendor Management

4. Liaison with Quality Team

MAJOR CHALLENGES :

1) Product Development in line with Business ask (Product Development as per Benchmark, Three Win Protocol)

2) Ensure a compliant suppliers base which can deliver an assortment with desired availability, quality, innovation and competitive pricing

KEY DECISIONS :

1. Agreeing on New Product Pipeline and Annual sales, margin targets with Merchants

2. Supplier Business Planning based on Compliance, New Launches, Big Bets Plan

3. Maintain Win Win Win Pricing Strategy and Specification reviews for Quality Assurance

INTERACTIONS :

INTERNAL :

- Merchandising & Business Management

- Supply Chain

- Compliance

- Supplier development

- Packaging

- Membership & Marketing

- Store Managers

- Quality Team

- Sales & BD(BDA)

- Operations

EXTERNAL :

- Supplier : Owners & Promoters, Factory Managers

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE :

- Product knowledge of the relevant categories Processed Foods ( Confectionery, Dry Foods, Culinary, Savory, Biscuits, Bakery Categories )