Head of NPD (1 year maternity cover - FTC Contract)

THE GOAL

The purpose of Head of NPD is to lead and drive the overall category strategy and innovation pipeline for all concepts of the KellyDeli Group. You will be responsible for innovating our product portfolio so that we are a leader in product innovation in Asian cuisine by building strong consumer propositions through trend insights and delivering viable solutions at international level.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Department: Marketing.

Reporting to: Global Head of Marketing.

Direct reports: New Product Development Managers.

Working with (external and internal relationships): Marketing, Quality, Finance, Field operations, Supply & Logistic team, Partners & Suppliers, CSR.

Travel involved.

International travel required.

WHAT THEY DO

Strategy & Innovation:

• Be at the forefront of idea generation to guide and influence key senior members and the business to fuel competitive advantage.
• Proactive in building a 2+ years food strategy pipeline based on balanced insights and consumer trends and market needs.
• Responsible for leading great food culture in ingredients, packaging, process, food trends and consumer insights knowledge.
• Lead and guide product excellence and strategy to deliver creative and profitable product offerings across the business portfolio.
• Drive the innovation and product strategy agenda through innovation days internally and externally for retailers/markets to ensure KellyDeli is seen as a preferable supplier.
• Specify budget requirements for annual review and monitor spend to ensure initiatives are delivered to cost.

Team & Project Management:

• Provide leadership and direction to ensure that the team are feel developed, engaged, focused, supported, safe and delivering to their individual potential.
• Manages and sets in place best in class working principles in developing commercially and operationally viable products from concept to launch with applicable documentation and training materials with set timeline.
• Facilitate and drive strong relationships with Marketing, Operations, Supply and Field teams within cross-country and local markets to launch product initiatives.
• Work in partnership with cross-functional teams to align on internal strategies to achieve overall business targets.
• Take full ownership of product design and process to provide markets with innovative solutions.
• Act as the credible authority on the product in any outward communications where needed.

WHO THEY ARE

• Previous proven NPD & innovation experience, ideally within a sushi and/ or Asian / Pan Asian food category (6+years).
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable commercial innovation, including ingredient materials, finished product, and packaging solutions.
• Current expert understanding of food sector trends from global influences into applicable markets.
• Demonstrated ability to structure and manage a team in delivering required targets.
• Strong influencer in building partnerships and relationships with key stakeholders, suppliers, retailers and partners.
• A passionate foodie, leading and bringing innovation and great food culture to the core of the business.
• Project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver to tight deadlines.
• Engaging and respected team leader able to delegate and manage multiple teams’ responsibilities.
• Strong Food safety awareness.

Languages:

English essential. A second language is desirable.

Soft Skills

• Creative and innovative, willing to push boundaries and solution oriented.
• Culinary trailblazer with passion for great food culture.
• Self-motivated and solution-oriented.
• Collaborative team player & aligned to KellyDeli values.
• Influential communicator.
• Ambitious and pragmatic.

ABOUT US
KellyDeli, founded in 2010, is an innovative and rapidly expanding food retail and restaurant company. Sushi Daily, one of its brand concepts, is the leading European provider of fully-serviced sushi bars, currently operating over 1,000 kiosks across 13 countries.

Our unique concept features outlets in grocery stores, supermarkets, and airports, where live Sushi Artisans create their art in front of customers, providing a unique customer experience and top-quality sushi.

Our Purpose

To help the world east better, flourish together & dream bigger

VALUES

• Totally Together
• Humbly Honest
• Positively Passionate
• Constantly Curious
• Expertly Excellent
• Adopting Growth Mindset

BENEFITS

🍣 Sushi Allowance

🧘🏼 Wellbeing Allowance

🎂 Birthday off

🌴 27 days annual leave + National holidays 

🤩 Late starts & early finish X6 of each

🩺 Health Insurance

🚲 Cycle to Work 

📍 Hybrid working 2/3 split - Office in Old St