Apply on JLP Jobs - the official careers website for John Lewis Partnership, John Lewis & Partners, and Waitrose & Partners.

About the role

Hello, and thank you for your interest in our Product Development Manager position. The critical purpose of the role is to formulate, direct and deliver a customer-focused product development strategy that aligns with the Own Brand plan, customer plan, brand positioning, and innovation sales targets. You will work closely with stakeholders to develop short, medium, and long-term strategic directions for categories in terms of product and packaging, collaborating with the supply base and utilizing the Waitrose chef team to champion customer-first innovation and ensure brand standards for quality and innovation are maintained.

Our ideal candidate will have a passion for food and the food industry, be a strategic thinker and natural problem solver. You should be an inspiring leader, comfortable with difficult decision-making, customer-focused, and resilient.

At a glance:

• Salary: £75,700.00 - 121,000.00 per annum
• Contract type: This is a permanent position
• Hours and location:
• 35 hours per week
• Based at our Bracknell Head Office
• Hybrid working model: a mix of office and home working, with the team attending the office approximately 3 days a week for meetings and connection.

Key responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Head of Product Innovation to formulate the Own Brand (OB) plan across multiple categories such as Meal solutions, Bakery, Floral, Produce, and FTG.
• Translate the strategic OB plan into category-specific plans for Product Developers, focusing on market-leading innovation opportunities.
• Drive the team to deliver a comprehensive product and innovation strategy aligned with market, consumer, food, ingredient, health trends, and customer insights.
• Ensure the delivery of financial and customer benefits through product development.
• Lead opportunities for newness and differentiation by staying abreast of trends and market data.
• Review sales, monitor competitor activity, and recommend product improvements or new products.
• Lead strategic projects such as Christmas and No.1, defining product propositions.
• Ensure quality and taste are prioritized, fostering a market-leading food culture within the team.
• Attend brand design governance meetings to ensure category alignment.
• Build relationships with key suppliers to develop supply chain capabilities and foster innovation.
• Manage the Product Development team, setting objectives, providing feedback, and recruiting talent.
• Participate in category leadership teams, driving the OB agenda and quality standards.
• Collaborate on improving end-to-end processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee product quality measures and approvals through the E2E gate process.
• Develop external networks to influence stakeholders and support programs.
• Create an inclusive environment that motivates and supports high performance.

Essential skills and experience:

• Significant experience in product development or innovation within retail, manufacturing, food service, or similar.
• Strong food industry knowledge, ideally in retail, FMCG manufacturing, or hospitality.
• Degree or equivalent in a food-related subject.
• Analytical, strategic mindset with commercial influence skills.
• Excellent communication skills adaptable to various audiences.
• Proven leadership and motivational management experience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

The partnership

We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re committed to building a happier world through innovation, quality, and service. As Partners, we share ownership and success, embracing diversity and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Important points to note:

Some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks and financial probity assessments. We encourage prompt application as vacancies may close early due to high interest. We support flexible working arrangements; discuss options with the hiring manager during your interview.