At Yeo Valley, we’ve been making delicious, organic dairy products for over 50 years. As a family-run business, we believe in doing things the right way – sustainably, ethically, and with people at the heart of what we do.
Under the direction of the Senior Innovation Manager, the Innovation Manager will lead & manage, with the support of a Senior Development Technologist, the creation and development of insight led new and existing products in the yogurt, ice cream, and desserts categories for specific accounts.
This individual will collaborate and lead with cross functional teams to deliver cutting-edge, high-quality product concepts that are aligned with customer and business priorities.
This role is critical in shaping the future of the Yeo Valley Product Portfolio.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Nominated Lead Yeo Valley Innovation Development contact for all internal and external projects associated with allocated account customer for yogurt/dessert/ice cream
- To manage specific NPD projects from kitchen concept to Gate 3 approval (kitchen vs factory), ensuring the relevant stakeholders are involved at the right stage and aligned, and the business has clear visibility on the NPD agenda for each customer and the state of play on current projects
- Coordination and management of critical paths aligned with stakeholders’ key dates and stages. Ability to identify, solve and communicate problems and resolutions internally and externally. Understanding the broader impacts across the department.
- Liaise closely with Insight Manager to provide expertise in food and eating trends and recipe formulation through insight led NPD, food safaris and trawls
- To develop and maintain excellent customer relationships with defined retailers through a customer ‘intimate’ approach. Must be able to explain difficult or sensitive information and be willing to step in & support more junior team members in this area
- Liaise with current and new suppliers to source new ingredients
- Responsible for ensuring your product meets the most up to date policy and brands standards for each relevant customer
- Leading, coaching, developing and where relevant influences Snr Development Technologists in delivering the customer development plans and is accountable for their performance and results.
- Has overall accountability of the results and performance of their customer accounts with regards to NPD success and reaching targets/objectives
This is a Fixed Term Contract opportunity to cover maternity leave and the working hours are full time (40 hours per week, Monday - Friday). The role will be based at our Blagdon HQ with regular visits to our Crewkerne site required as part of this role.