This company is currently looking to offer a well-organised and forward thinking Product Developer the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth of a young, fast-moving and progressive company that’s already hit the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 List.
The person they are looking for will want to solve problems and seek out opportunities to support the company's sales activities with all aspects of product development. You will deliver outstanding liaison services and support to suppliers whenever required.
Located in Birstall, they have just won the HSBC International Business of the Year for 2016 against strong competition in the Examiner Business Awards; they also achieved inclusion on the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 and Export Track 100 lists in both 2015 and 2016.
This is an extremely exciting time to join their company, as they continue to grow and drive innovation in the sector.
Role
You will deliver leadership and support to the product development team, selecting, developing and creating specific product ranges for the pet care market. You will also take care of the administration of the product portfolio.
Key Accountabilities
- Buying pet care products across Dog, Cat, Small Animal and Wild Bird categories.
- Development of new product ranges in line with market demands and trends. Identification and evaluation of both new product opportunities and new suppliers for either existing or new products.
- Development of bespoke customer ranges; this includes liaising closely and directly with the customer at all stages, from presenting initial season trends, through sampling stages to hit key customer deadlines, as well customer pricing, and meeting all their specific audit and testing requirements.
- Conducting factory visits in the Far East to evaluate new/ current suppliers and products.
- Negotiating best prices on current lines and new products.
- Ensure delivery of quality goods at the right price and at the right time.
- Keeping abreast of competitor pricing and ranging.
- Ensuring Critical paths and range plans for projects are produced and managed.
- Designing product merchandising solutions following brief from specific clients or to complete in house range.
- Designing and developing new product lines to ensure a season introduction of products / ranges are introduced to the business at key selling times.
Required Attributes for the Role:
- Broad experience of sourcing and buying.
- Extensive knowledge of grocery and pet trade markets, backed by a strong awareness of general market trends and fashions.
- Strong development knowledge across all product areas, including hard-line and soft-line toys, textiles and treats.
- Be able to travel overseas when required.
- Be able to work as part of and manage a small team.
- Be able to work to deadlines and to ensure the department all adhere to these.
- Have a flexible attitude to working hours.
- An excellent communicator at all levels.
- A proactive attitude to responsibilities and deadlines.
- Project management experience will give you a distinct advantage.