NPD Senior Manager

YOU

As our NPD Senior Manager, you will lead the GB&I Technical Centre (TC) Product Development Team responsible for New Product Development (NPD) of LUCOZADE and RIBENA, product re-engineering and other development transversal projects across SBFE brands. You will achieve alignment on NPD priorities among the Technical Centre NPD’s teams and Markets and ensure proper coordination, and lead an extremely motivated team.

YOUR ROLE

Leadership - management

• Recruit, lead, inspire and motivate his/her team of 12 members including temporary ones
• Manage resources at NPD lab (people, OPEX, CAPEX)
• Manage NPD priorities between Markets and Technical Centre
• Ensure consumer insights and feedback build into development projects
• Ensure that the outputs of the NPD program meet all food safety, regulatory compliance, sensory, IP and quality requirements
• Provide leadership and technical training to direct reports and within the Technical Centre

Core brand innovation (CBI), core brand evolution (CBE), category expansion (CE)

• Lead and manage the technical delivery of assigned NPD or product renovation that contribute to deliver the business growth
• Provide effective scientific & technical stewardship knowledge dissemination throughout the NPD team, Technical Centre and Markets
• Ensure loading of accurate forumulations and main technical data on SBFE database
• Ensure R&D Lab NPD processes and protocols are defined and met according to initial design
• Owns and drives NPD continuous improvement process including metrics and WOW

Other projects

• Leads and manages other technical projects - including Design to Value, technical validations, ingredient changes, proactive and long-term NPD initiatives
• Identify new ingredients, trends and technologies to enhance our capability to develop new products

Cross functional

• Liaises with Directors, Technical Managers, R&D Technical Project Leaders, other NPD Senior Managers and third parties to ensure alignment on the NPD process
• Support the delivery of elements of the new products, claims and technology research & development programs that contribute to the growth of the business
• Interact with marketing / commercial driving proactive creativity on NPD

Technical events

• Authors or co-authors internal reports, external publications and/or development plans
• Attend industry seminars, events and exhibitions in order to capture new trends, technologies or processes. Occasionally present at seminars or exhibitions enhancing the company's reputation

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor of Science Degree minimum in a food-related science field (Food Technology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or Agricultural Engineering)
• Substantial demonstrated competence in managing multiple & complex projects
• Demonstrated ability to manage & coordinate complex teams and external partners
• Extensive experience working within beverages globally for blue chip beverage company

Competencies

• Knowledge of all aspects of beverage design and manufacture
• Be able to manage & set up priorities in coordination with stakeholders
• Delivery orientation
• Communication, negotiation and influencing
• Fluency in English, knowledge of French and Spanish is an advantage
• Leadership and working cross functionally

ABOUT US

Suntory is a Japanese company and the world’s third biggest player in the drinks industry. The continuous success and growth of each individual makes Growing for Good possible. We believe in moving forward boldly, together. Our Coleford Factory was built in 1946 and spanning 53 acres, our factory employs more than 300 people who help make our much-loved drinks, Lucozade and Ribena. Our diverse and iconic portfolio include amongst many other brands, Orangina, Yamazaki and Hibiki whiskies, Premium Malts and V. We wouldn’t achieve what we do without our people who are at the heart of everything we do. Our people unleash their spirit daily; they craft exceptional drinks, and they fuel our Growth

YOUR FUTURE WITH US

Joining Suntory isn’t just about taking on a role, it’s about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you’ll find a supportive work environment that values work life balance and that will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team are a team that genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.

OUR COMMITMENT

At Suntory, we greatly appreciate the value that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds can bring. Our colleagues from a wide range of cultures, lifestyles, and experiences contribute significantly to our collective success. We understand that our candidates all have unique career trajectories and experiences, and this can sometimes deter you from applying for a role if you don’t feel that you meet all the criteria. If you believe that you have relevant skills and experience that you feel could benefit us, we would love to know what unique perspectives and experience you can bring to help make us better, together in a company that is committed to Growing for Good and Giving Back to Society.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process is based on the skills and competencies of the above role. We are committed to and value diversity, equity and inclusion in our recruitment process and do not discriminate based on gender, race or ethnic background, class, economic status, disability status, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, marital status or any other protected characteristic. We want to ensure that our interview process is as inclusive as possible. If you require any reasonable accommodation as part of the process, do not hesitate to let your recruiter know who will be happy to help.