Development Account Manager

This is what you’ll actually do!
As a Development Account Manager, you will lead the development of new and existing products from concept through to launch, ensuring projects are delivered on time, meet customer requirements and align with Finsbury Food Group's NPD processes and commercial objectives.

Working closely with customers, retailers, Commercial, Marketing and NPD teams, you will identify consumer trends and innovation opportunities, helping to develop exciting new gluten-free products and enhance existing ranges. You will collaborate with Buying, Technical and supplier partners to source new ingredients and packaging solutions, ensuring all materials meet the required quality and approval standards.

You will act as the key contact throughout the development process, building strong customer relationships, attending presentations and meetings, and ensuring projects progress in line with agreed critical paths and project objectives. You will also prepare and manage customer documentation, benchmarking activities and product reviews.

A key part of the role will involve working closely with Process, Production and Technical teams to ensure product feasibility, food safety and compliance requirements are met. You will coordinate factory trials, support pre-production and launch activities, and ensure effective handovers to operational teams. In addition, you will provide regular project updates, manage packaging artwork approvals and help resolve any issues that may impact delivery timelines. You will conduct post-launch reviews to identify successes, lessons learned and opportunities for continuous improvement, supporting the ongoing growth and success of the product portfolio.

Ideally this is you!

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Ability to work closely with other departments including, Commercial, Operations, NPD, Technical, Planning, Purchasing and Engineering
Ability to liaise and build relationships with external suppliers
Complete food safety and quality checks as part of development
Process evaluation to reduce cost and maintain quality
Excellent presentation skills
Ability to communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively at all levels of the organization
Knowledge of M&S systems would be advantageous

Personal Attributes

Minimum of five years within a food manufacturing environment
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and problem solving
Attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Self-motivated, with the ability to motivate others, along with the ability to work on own initiative, as well as possessing team working skills and able to demonstrate a continuous improvement ethos
Have pride in your work and display behaviours that align with the company vision and values (Teamwork, Ownership, Communication, Honesty and Respect)