Job Description

Who is New England Seafood International?

New England Seafood International (NESI) was established in 1991 and is an importer and processor of premium fresh and frozen sustainable fish and seafood. NESI employs circa 850 people across three sites in the UK and imports a wide range of wild and farmed fish and shellfish from all around the world. We are part of the Sealaska Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation formed in 1971 and which is owned by 26,000 Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian shareholders, who are all bloodline descendants of the first settlers to the Americas.

Our vision is to "show people how to enjoy fish every day" and we pride ourselves on our supply chain integrity, sustainable sourcing and high-quality product. Our values run through our business and are Respect, Customer Care, By Learning We Grow, Team Spirit and Integrity.



Accountabilities

Working with the development team and other cross functional teams you will be responsible for the following:

Play a key role in enabling the creative development of products in the kitchen from concept through to factory handover via the Stage and Gate process to ensure the smooth transition of new concepts into the factory whilst safeguarding that developed products meet the business and retailer requirements. Manages critical paths for specific product ranges, plans, organises and controls resources to deliver development concepts to an agreed quality and timescale. Ensuring all tasks have been delivered, recorded, signed off & filed for audit purposes. Develop strong relationships with our customers' developers to influence and be front of mind on their strategic plans. Whilst also coordinating with customers to provide strategic insight and to feedback to the business customer goals and ambitions. Co-ordinate and set standards for customer presentations (both product & paper) which ensures NESI is considered the centre of excellence for fish development in terms of species and added value. Uses the principles of category insights to gain a true understanding of the wants and needs of the consumer to develop profitable products. Take advantage of internal sources of information in addition to external sensory, screening and supporting organisations. Working closely with our suppliers to develop our relationships with them and get ahead on our NPD thinking and concept creation whilst keeping business procurement teams informed. Collate market data and conduct benchmarking on category / competitors' range through online range reviews and store visits so we better understand the market and identify gap fill opportunities or possible recipe / innovation cues. When necessary, attending trade shows, NPD events and suppliers Represent the department at regular site-based meetings and feedback centrally as appropriate. Support other department roles during holidays and short-term absence.

Experience Required:

Proven experience working cross-functionally within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, with successful delivery of process development and scale-up projects from kitchen to factory launch. Strong experience on the full product development process and critical path & project management from concept through to launch. Understanding of factory environments and Food Industry Technical standards and compliance- HACCP, BRC, etc. Excellent computer skills using Business Systems. Ideally a Food Science Degree or equivalent with a minimum of 5 years' experience in a chilled manufacturing environment, some knowledge of fish an advantage but not critical. Full UK driving licence.

Other

Requires flexibility of hours to ensure adequate cover for all new product launches. This requires presence on weekends occasionally. Travel and overnight stays for customer and supplier meetings

Benefits:

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays Pension 5% employee contribution 3% employer contribution Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay Life Assurance: 3 x annual salary Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to work scheme Unlimited Refreshments On-site parking Sports & Social Fund * Referral Programme