Product Development Manager - Confectionery & BWS (Beers, Wines & Spirits)
Based at Asda House in Leeds

About the role:
This is a highly innovative, fast paced and high profile role within the Impulse and BWS Edible Grocery categories.
As Product Development Manager for these categories, you will be responsible for the product development and maintaining the quality of the all year round and seasonal Confectionery and Beers, Wines & Spirits Own Brand categories. You will manage the continuous improvement of our existing product ranges in line with the Asda Brand benchmarking and consistency framework. You will also be responsible for developing new products within your product category from initial product concept right through the entire product life cycle to launch, working cross functionally with the following key stakeholders – Commercial, Suppliers, Project Teams and Own Brand functions.

In addition, this role will support the Senior Product Manager by deputising at key senior manager meetings and taking a leadership role across various business work streams. This role is a great opportunity for those colleagues wishing to develop towards a Senior Manager position.

What you’ll be responsible for:
Reporting to the Senior Product Development Manager for Grocery and BWS, you will: Be a Quality driver and focus on continuous improvement by looking at complaints and trending to ensure we have consistent quality products every dayCo-ordinating activity across the Confectionery and BWS category of own brand assortmentBe responsible in conjunction with the buyers for setting the range and product strategy based on customer needWorking with the Innovations team and categories to understand and capitalise on the key market trendsWork with the buyers to ensure product & ranges are commercially viable and drive the cost to serve programme whilst ensuring quality is maintained.Ensure that products are developed to the best quality for our customers and that on-going quality standards are maintainedProject manage the specification approval process and maintenance of our data basesManage the on-going improvement of products in line with our Asda Brand benchmarking strategyResponsible for ensuring that products are developed in compliance with Asda policiesWork with our marketing and PR teams to showcase the rangesDevelop & coach our supply base in line with Asda product requirements, product quality and consistency.Develop the strategic supply base with the buyers and identify which suppliers should be grown, held and declined.You will also have a the support of a product developer for the seasonal development of our ranges across confectionery for Halloween and Christmas
About you:Ideally with a science/ food/nutrition based degree or equivalent qualification, you will demonstrate strong food product development/technical skills.Have commercial awareness with an understanding of the factors that affect costs.A pro-active team member with strong interpersonal, organisation and management skills you will be able to work independently, prioritise effectively and deliver to deadlines within specific timescales.Have strong communication skillsAn eye for quality and detail is essential.An ability to prioritise and flex to the changing needs of the businessYour benefits:
You will receive an excellent benefits package, which includes company car / car allowance, private medical, colleague discount off your shopping, share save scheme, competitive pension and discount off selected gyms. We also like to share our success; after all you made it happen, so every eligible colleague is also part of the Asda bonus scheme. The development opportunities are endless and we’ll support you every step of the way