NPD Manager

Black Sheep Coffee

Southwark•Up to £50k per annum + benefits•Full time

Location: SE1, London

Reports to: Marketing Director

Department: Supply Chain

Type: Full-time

Salary: Up to £50k per annum




Job Description:

As a New Product Development Manager at Black Sheep Coffee, you will play a critical role in shaping and enhancing our food and drink offerings. Your primary responsibilities will include overseeing the entire new product development lifecycle, collaborating with suppliers, managing allergen information, creating comprehensive 'How-To' guides, and effectively communicating product launches to our global network of cafes. Additionally, you will be tasked with creating a seasonal calendar of product launches to ensure our offerings remain innovative and aligned with market trends.



Key Responsibilities:



1. New Product Development:

  • Lead the end-to-end product development process for new food and drink offerings, from conceptualization to launch.
  • Work closely with suppliers to develop and refine products, ensuring they align with Black Sheep Coffee's brand and quality standards.
  • Conduct market research to identify trends, competitive products, and consumer preferences.
  • Validate potential new product launch through market test to ensure the fit with customers.


2. Allergen Information and How-To Guides:

  • Prepare comprehensive allergen information for all new products, ensuring compliance with regulations and customer safety.
  • Develop detailed 'How-To' guides for our teams to effectively prepare and serve new products in our cafes.


3. Launch Day Communication:

  • Coordinate and execute effective communication strategies for product launches to ensure a successful rollout across all Black Sheep Coffee locations.
  • Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to create engaging promotional materials and campaigns for new product launches.


4. Seasonal Product Launch Calendar:

  • Develop and maintain a seasonal calendar of product launches, strategically planning and organizing launches throughout the year to captivate our customers and drive sales.


5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with various departments including operations, marketing, procurement, and quality assurance to ensure successful product development and launches.
  • Provide guidance and support to cross-functional teams involved in the product launch process.



Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Food Science, Marketing, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years experience in product development and management, preferably in the food and beverage industry.
  • Strong understanding of allergen regulations and product labeling.
  • Excellent project management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers.
  • Innovative thinker with a passion for food and drink trends and the ability to translate them into successful products.



About Black Sheep Coffee…


Join the thriving team at Black Sheep Coffee, the rapidly expanding 4th largest coffee chain in the UK. With our sights set on further growth, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of our success story.


Since our establishment in 2013, we have captivated coffee lovers with our commitment to quality and innovation. As a testament to our dedication, we have risen to become one of the leading players in the UK coffee scene.


With our continuous expansion plans, there has never been a more exciting time to join us. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to contribute to our upward trajectory and be part of our ambitious journey towards shaping the future of the coffee industry.


We foster a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and a passion for excellence, we provide a supportive platform for you to thrive and make a meaningful impact.


Don't miss the opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing company that values innovation, quality, and the power of exceptional coffee. Join Black Sheep Coffee today and embark on a rewarding career that offers unlimited potential.