Innovation Development Manager

Join Iceland Foods, recognized as one of the Sunday Times Best Places To Work!
We are seeking a passionate and experienced professional from the food retail industry with a strong drive for innovation.
Experience in buying, licensing and product development is a plus!
In this role, youll network with suppliers in the UK and abroad, discovering new food trends and products.
Dont miss out on this opportunity to manage and develop truly innovative products. Apply now and be a part of our exciting journey!
Managing the development of new and existing Branded Exclusive Products and Supplier opportunities to drive sales and profitability for the business.
The role:
Support the Head of Licensing + Innovation in delivering :
NEW branded product, new supplier innovation and exclusive opportunities
Routes to external (non-Iceland) markets
Selling new brands into the broader market
Initiate and build new relationships with potential manufacturing partners through to commercial agreement.
Ongoing account management of Brands on Ice, Innovation Services, Rapid Start enterprise customers including:
Annual business plans
Monthly sales and marketing updates
Innovation pipelines and NPD product sign off
Ad-hoc account management as required.
Deliver strategic category plans through the Iceland Range Review process
Delivery of accurate financial forecast to deadline.
Weekly reporting of accurate sales and profitability information
Innovation and great experience for our customers
Work cross functionally with Iceland Development Kitchen to support in creating a pipeline of innovation for growth 12-18 months in advance
Monthly meetings with Category Buying Managers to brief opportunities and manage innovation schedule (all chambers)
Produce and deliver relevant Range Reviews, including strategic category proposals (TD and Head of Development where relevant)
Identification of key points of difference and innovation that enable a market leading product range, complimented with exclusivity agreements surrounding the supply base and/ or concepts.
Full responsibility for transposing range plans and actions into merchandising planograms.
Full accountability for the prevention/ resolution for all supply and availability issues.
Specialised Skills & Knowledge
Highly analytical and numerate
Excellent communication skills
Expert negotiation skills (supported by independent training)
Resilience and ability to work at pace
Food knowledge, passion, and expertise
+3 years retail product commercial/ business development experience

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