Head of Innovation

The Role:

One of Ireland's leading Food Organisations is seeking to recruit a Head of Innovation to lead it's New Product Development activity.

Role Responsibilities:

• Manage the Technical Innovation process from kitchen samples to first production run sign off
• Ensure that all developments satisfy price, quality, technical & operational parameters
• Manage the sourcing of new raw materials in line with preferred supplier & purchasing strategy
• Sourcing of ingredients and control, management of specifications, allergens and HACCP
• Working with suppliers to source new & innovative products
• Compliance to all NPD procedures and ensure that all work is correctly documented and ensure that each stage of the process is correctly completed, documented & communicated
• Capture relevant information during production trials and carry out post trial product review for QA and production specifications
• Liaise with technical, production and engineering on next steps from each trial
• To originate costings and checking costs are accurate and providing basis for quoted ingredients
• Carry out theoretical, lab and production trial analysis of nutritional components as required
• Ensure that food safety, quality and legislative requirements are achieved regarding all new product launches and issuing product recipe and specification sheets
• Input and management of on line customer specification systems
• Arrange feasibility meetings on all new developments to ensure that all products are signed off before presenting to customers
• Arrange hand-over meeting to site management team ensuring that they have all the necessary information & documentation to be able to take the product to launch
• Organise and attend factory trials to ensure correct translation of kitchen concept to consumer trends
• Develop a strong relationship with your customer through constant communication by regular updates on projects and discussions on all issues throughout the concept development process
• Present new products & upgrades to the customer in a professional manner, demonstrating your food & process knowledge & expertise. Preparing samples, presentation packs & any theatre required factory
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the food market, eg. via trade press, food magazines & competitor shopping, to ensure development of cutting edge & market leading products
• Drive benchmarking activity on a regular basis & have a strong awareness of consumer trends
• Develop a strong relationship with your customer through constant communication by regular updates on projects and discussions on all issues throughout the concept development process
• Present new products & upgrades to the customer in a professional manner, demonstrating your food & process knowledge & expertise. Preparing samples, presentation packs & any theatre required

Key Experience and Skills Required:

• It is essential to have extensive experience of technical and product knowledge of foods preferably liquids
• Minimum 8 years experience in an NPD environment in a FMCG or Nutrition environment
• Education to degree or HND level in a food related discipline
• Good project & time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills at all levels
• Able to work both as an individual & a team player
• Need to be creative and have a thirst for knowledge
• Ability to create a strong first impression, project yourself well and present with confidence
• Have an outgoing & confident approach
• Basic computer literacy – excel, word, powerpoint
• Demonstrate an above standard knowledge & understanding of food
• Excellent/Polished presentation skills
  

Salary: 80-90k plus mobile phone, parking, pension, bonus, laptop and expenses available.

Quorum Search Partners is one of Ireland's leading industry specific search and selection organisation delivering recruitment services to our FMCG, food, healthcare and pharmaceutical clients both in Ireland and abroad. At Quorum we treat all candidates’ details with respect and full confidentiality. We will not forward your CV or any other personal details to any 3rd party without prior consent from you.

The recruiter is interested in your answers to the following question(s). Please place your answers in the email you send when applying for the job. 

Question 1:

What is your current salary?

Question 2:

Do you have NPD  experience?