Purchasing & Supply Jobs In South West London

Responsibilities:

Dimensions:
• Establish Packaging Innovation Programme related to Product Categories.
• To lead and manage projects for the packaging development of existing and new branded frozen food products that meet consumer and environmental needs.
• To identify and develop new packaging materials and technologies that will deliver a competitive advantage.
• Identify & implement activities to deliver cost savings and quality improvements.
• Line manage & direct own activities and those of 4 teams at 4 locations in UK and Germany (9 FTE).
• Purchase of materials for trials up to £10k.
• Manage projects for new or improved packaging including realistic input for factories.
• Connection element between Marketing project leaders in headoffice and European Packaging R&D organisation.
• Investigate competition developments and consumer trends.
• Be aware of what competitors are doing and consumers trends.
• Contact and cooperation with packaging suppliers, Universities and other experts.
• Cooperate with Marketing and R&D to support innovation projects with packaging expertise.
• Work with packaging experts in the factories.

Accountabilities:
• Successful delivery of the Development contribution to key projects, from idea through to launch.
• Lead and contribute to cross-functional teams.
• Develop innovative new products based on a detailed understanding of the consumer & of the business’s requirements & capabilities.
• Identify & deliver cost savings & quality improvements.
• Ensure packaging is safe and appropriate for food use and specifications are completed on time & in full.

Knowledge & Skills, Competencies, Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
Qualifications
- Degree (pref in science) or similar/extensive work experience in a related field.

Experience
- 5 years experience within food/drink industry.
- Food packaging understanding – materials & processes. Sound expertise in packaging material and technology.
- European Packaging Legislation.
- Product development.
- Consumer understanding.
- Marketing knowledge would be of advantage.
• Experience working as Technical Brand Manager R&D.
• Project management.
• Ability to work independently in an international environment including 50% travelling.
• Creativity, team spirit and market orientation.
• Fluent English language skills. German would be of advantage.
• Ability to work under time pressure.
• Analytical and logical way of working and dealing with large information files.
Competencies
- Impact & influence
- Best Development
- Bold Delivery
- Change Agent
- Desire to travel extensively to production sites in Europe

Desirable:
- Membership of Institute of Packaging.
- At least 5 - 10 years in product/packaging development.
- Business experience welcome, also graduate from university with some practical industry experience.

This vacancy is being advertised by NCR (New Century Recruitment Ltd). The services advertised by NCR are those of an Employment Agency.