We are a premium chocolate manufacturer established in 1845 operating in over 86 countries around the World. Guided by our Global purpose to Enchant the World with Chocolate and UK vision of Creating Moments to Make Everyone Feel Special, we have around 400 team members in the UK across our Head Office, Retail, and Field Sales divisions. We are a Top 20 Great Place to Work and are proud of our incredible people, our unique values-led culture and our iconic market leading brands such as LINDOR & GOLD BUNNY.
We're also proud of being one of the few bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the world, where we control every step of our chocolate production.
Where you'll be based
This role is based in our Head Office in Richmond-Upon-Thames. (Hybrid Working: in the office 60% and WFH 40%)
How you could help us to Enchant the World with Chocolate
This is as 12mth FTC with an ideal start date of 1st July 2026. In this role you will have responsibility for implementing our D2C (Retail Stores, Website and Corporate Gifting) portfolio & product strategy, which is a critical element of our D2C game plan. You will be managing and implementing the innovation and renovation pipeline, while also working with factories to identify any future portfolio opportunities. You will play a pivotal role in developing and executing our fresh strategy working closely with the Master Chocolatier, as well as being responsible for performance analysis and managing NPD projects through the Go to Market Process.
Key Responsibilities
* Implementation of the product portfolio strategy across the key D2C channels: retail stores, eshop and Corporate Gifting to achieve our 2030 ambitions.
* Lead multi-channel D2C NPD projects to launch meaningful differentiation: including scoping of opportunities, concept development, product & supply chain management and commercial proposition.
* Develop D2C Fresh Master Chocolatier Strategy & Projects across chocolate, ice cream & drinks that is commercially viable & aligned with our strategy of enchanting the world with chocolate.
* Identify key fresh opportunities for innovation in collaboration with our Master Chocolatiers and D2C Global Retail
* Support Senior Retail Portfolio Manager in monitoring performance of portfolio working cross functionally with Merchandising & Category to gain insights & data, identifying opportunities from factory catalogues and other global markets to drive a pipeline of meaningful differentiation.
* Work cross functionally to influence & align key stakeholders to support key innovation projects.
* Ensure all NPD projects are aligned to brand guidelines, GP targets and are delivered on time and in full through go-to-market process.
NPD Marketing Execution
* Manage design & packaging agencies to develop innovative & sustainable packaging solutions that are aligned to our premium brand.
* Work with global teams to learn best practice for NPD launches & set vision & benchmark for success in UK, elevating brand & product experience.
* Align & collaborate with Retail Marketing activation team on NPD launches to ensure consistency of activation across full path to purchase
* Work closely with UK brand teams to understand future pipeline opportunities
* Ensure that all D2C NPD packaging concepts are tested with consumers via Packcepts with Consumer Insights Team
Develop Consumer & Competitor Insight
* Have a clear understanding of consumer and market trends & drive these insights into developing innovative and relevant product concepts.
* Undertake Comp shops on fresh categories on a regular basis to identify any gaps and inform future portfolio plans
* Ongoing analysis of brand performance using internal and external data, identifying issues and opportunities in the market to ensure targets are achieved (NTS/GP)
RPD Process for Product
* Work with Senior Retail Portfolio Manager to input into RPD plans to identify growth strategy for the year ahead through analysing key internal data (ROS, NNTS & GP) and retail market dynamics including store feedback to draw insightful conclusions to support Brand planning.
Manage & delegate product & packaging projects with Retail Marketing Executive ensuring a full breadth of projects within the channel: stores, eshop & Corporate Gifting
What experience you will bring with you:
* Substantial experience as a Product / Brand Manager in a blue chip FMCG company or high street retailer, ideally with premium / luxury experience on top
* In-depth experience of new product development, specifically product & packaging design
* Knowledge of Stage Gate Innovation Processes/ Go to Market Processes
* In-depth experience of managing creative agency from brief to design evaluation whilst keeping costs in budget
* Previous experience with P&L required: understand costs structure and able to challenge them
* Understanding of sourcing process including co-packing, printing and production capabilities
* Strong strategic thinking required: build plans delivering on brand vision to strengthen brand equity
* Proven ability to successfully utilise all elements of the marketing mix to drive the business
* Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills with the ability to network and establish productive business relationships cross functionally, inside, across and outside of the organisation.
* Excellent analytical, communication and presentation skills
* Ideally, educated to degree or equivalent
* Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills, and potential to develop to more senior roles.
* Passion for LINDT
* Microsoft office skills - Experienced and proficient at a high level in Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
How you will be rewarded financially
Internal Level 2
For the position of Product Manager D2C (12mth FTC) the salary range is £50,000 - £60,000. In addition, you will receive a benefits package including; bonus, pension, life cover, chocolate allowance; chocolate give-aways, chocolate discount, £100 personal development allowance, birthday day off and so much more!
Being yourself every day
We want everyone at Lindt feel safe to be themselves, ensuring they are empowered, represented, celebrated and included in our workplace. You'll notice this throughout the recruitment process; in our 'dress for your day' policy and through our proactive DE&I strategy.
Living our values everyday
At Lindt UK, our values guide us in everything we do. Being Passionately Lindt, Always Evolving, Building Real Relationships, Acting Responsibly and Making An Impact are an integral part of life here at Lindt.
What you can expect from us
In return for everything that you'll bring, we can offer you an exciting role in a fast-growing organisation, where we'll provide an environment where you will thrive, feel supported and fulfil your career aspirations, all while supporting your physical and mental wellbeing.
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