Category Development Manager.Private Label - Management

The Category Development Manager will manage the process of developing a product or enhancing existing GF products to meet customer expectations effectively while maintaining high profit margins and quality. The role includes conducting research, developing proposals, supervising design, and identifying opportunities to introduce competitive products to the market and improve existing products.

• Lead and manage product developments for GNF based on the overall product development strategy.
• Develop innovative products based on customer needs and market trends to drive strong revenue growth.
• Lead the launch/relaunch of new private label products and submit them for approval through the agreed process or committee.

• Support marketing and sales in developing product specifications.
• Evaluate and decide on the best problem solving solution to balance time, cost, and quality objectives throughout the product lifecycle.
• Determine customers' needs and desires by specifying the research required to obtain market information.
• Prepare return on investment analyses and establish time schedules with engineering and manufacturing.
• Anticipate volume and cost for special and customized orders, such as special events or seasonal products developed specifically for charity or seasonal markets.

• Promote process changes to improve completion schedules and reduce costs in products and departmental expenses.
• Support outsourcing programs and key procurement initiatives such as new supplier innovative products and ranges.
• Lead inventory management to facilitate turnover and product availability by reviewing and adjusting inventory levels and production schedules.
• Manage the introduction and marketing of new products by developing time integrated plans with operations, advertising, and production.

• Recommend the nature and scope of present and future product lines by reviewing product specifications and requirements.
• Appraise new product ideas or packaging changes and lead the required change process.
• Review production and operational costs for GNF products.

• Support the team in technical packaging aspects and manage the direction of generating an innovative engineering organization that delivers high quality GNF products to end consumers.
• Assess market competition by comparing the company's products to competitors in terms of quality and cost.

• Provide leadership, coaching, performance reviews, and other personnel management functions for direct reports.
• Guide the team to create innovative solutions.
• Maintain product management staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees.

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Engineering.

Minimum 5-7 years' experience in a related field.

• Conflict Management
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Business Acumen
• Managing vision and purpose
• Command Skills
• Developing Direct Reports
• Building effective teams