Position SummaryThe Innovation and Private Label Development Manager will be responsible for leading the foodservice product portfolio and lifecycle, from concept through launch and optimization, while driving private label development across foodservice and consumer packaged goods. Translates customer insights and market opportunities into profitable, high-quality products that deliver customer value, strengthen brand standards, and support business growth.
Key Responsibilities - Own the portfolio strategy and innovation roadmap across prepared and packaged foods, coffee, and cold and frozen dispensed beverages; balance core products, seasonal offers and limited-time introductions by customer mission, daypart and store capability.
- Use customer insights, sales and margin analysis, store feedback and competitor benchmarks to identify opportunities; maintain a prioritized pipeline with clear business cases and launch criteria.
- Lead development with culinary partners, manufacturers and suppliers; define recipes or formulations, specifications, packaging, shelf life, target cost and customer value suited to grab-and-go convenience retail.
- Own private label product briefs and development across foodservice and CPG; agree brand positioning with Marketing and assortment fit with Category Management, and partner with Procurement on manufacturer selection and supply feasibility.
- Lead sensory and customer testing and store pilots; validate demand, taste, quality, waste, preparation time, equipment needs and commercial returns before recommending rollout.
- Deliver launch-ready product specifications, preparation and holding standards, packaging and training inputs; coordinate with Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing and Category Management for reliable store execution.
- Maintain product quality standards and obtain required Food Safety, Quality and Legal approvals for specifications, allergens, labeling and claims before launch or material changes.
- Review portfolio performance and post-launch results; improve, scale or discontinue products based on sales, repeat purchase, margin after waste, customer response and operational fit. Capture lessons and apply them to the next development cycle.
- Own portfolio priorities, product briefs, specifications and pilot recommendations within approved strategy, budgets and delegated authority.
- Recommend launch, expansion, reformulation and discontinuation decisions with evidence and clear commercial and operational implications; obtain approvals required by company governance.
- Hold launch recommendations where product standards, pilot criteria or required approvals are unmet; escalate quality, supply or commercial risks to the accountable functions.
Qualifications- Relevant degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated experience in foodservice product innovation and portfolio management, preferably in convenience retail or another high-volume, multi-site food business; private label CPG development experience strongly preferred.
- Track record of bringing products from concept to commercial launch and using performance evidence to improve or rationalize a portfolio.
- Working knowledge of recipe and specification development, sensory testing, packaging, shelf life and food safety requirements, supported by specialist teams.
- Strong commercial analysis, project management and supplier collaboration skills; ability to balance customer appeal, margin, waste, speed of service and store simplicity.
Work environment and physical requirementsOffice-based role with store visits, supplier engagement and product trials. Travel, reporting arrangements and any physical requirements to be confirmed by Human Resources.
