Our client based in New Milton has an exciting opportunity for someone to join their fast paced and innovative New Product Development team. They are looking for a hardworking, creative and hands on individual to join the NPD team to support a lead customers projects delivering category growth and streamlined production.

This role requires an enthusiastic and outgoing person who can take the customers’ requirements from concept to store, as well as having a genuine interest in and able to identify and keep on top of key market trends.

Responsibilities and Duties

Develop and manage product ranges from initial concept to final product, which meet the requirements of each development brief; specifically, which achieve the required margin expectations. Being aware of labour costs and the impact of timing parameters.
Work closely with suppliers and internal teams to source and develop products; ensuring quality targets are met alongside cost. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Create and ensure all hardware specifications and cost calculations are thoroughly checked and accurate, working alongside the sales and supply chain team to thoroughly cost in line with margin aspiration.
Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
Ensure all products developed are fit for purpose (relevant to indoor/outdoor) and appropriate for the customer.
Regularly visit stores to review performance as customers experience them, undertaking competitive analysis and range reviews, both planned and ad-hoc. Enabling you to identify new product opportunities and trends in the horticulture market.
Work closely with the sales team to analyse data, as well as market and customer insight to support the creation of products and ranges. Identifying opportunities for improvements and growth.
Supervise junior members of the team, playing an active role in their professional development.
Organise and attend new range "Kick-off" meetings, in line with the critical path. And follow the NPI process through the development stages.
Coordinate post launch reviews for product launches alongside the Product/Lead Developer and account manager.
Work alongside the development team in the selection and building of seasonal trends that are fit for purpose; contributing to the gathering of supporting materials and presenting the trends to the key stakeholders within the business and customers.
Manage the artwork sign-off process both internally and externally, ensuring FTP dates are met.
Manage the organisation and preparation of customer samples in a timely manner ahead of delivery.
Attend photo shoots either on location or internally and continually ensure personal behaviour reflects the values of the business.

Applicants will ideally have either a Degree in Design, or equivalent 3 years’ experience in NPD and it would be advantageous if you had experience of working successfully in cross functional teams and were able to keep on top of product innovations. You will be innovative and conceptual thinking with a strong eye for details and will have proven project management and organisational skills. A solid commercial understanding is also key.

This is a full-time permanent position with a competitive starting salary dependant on experience and skills.

The package also includes 24 days holiday; Cash-Back Health Scheme, Pension, Car Parking on site; Tea and Coffee, Cycle to Work Scheme, EAP.

Working hours will be Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4.30pm, with flexibility to cover seasonal peaks in workload, off-site meetings and overseas travel.

Product Developer