Product Development Manager
Location: Stamford, CT
Job Category: Quality Assurance/Food Safety
Company: Nestle Waters North America
As the nation’s leading bottled water company, Nestlé Waters North America is dedicated to providing customers with healthy hydration options. Alongside that, we’re also committed to developing our people – enabling them to make the most of the many elements that help them to succeed.
Nestlé Waters consists of five business units: Corporate, Commercial, Supply Chain, Technical & Production and ReadyRefresh by Nestlé. Whichever one of these areas you choose to join, you’ll find yourself collaborating with a highly talented team on work that’s challenging, engaging and incredibly rewarding. You’ll be an essential element of our success: trusted, empowered and supported to make a lasting impact on the very future of our business. It’s a chance to use your knowledge, skills and experience to shine brightly and achieve your ambitions – all while delivering healthy hydration to millions of customers.
Choose a career in Technical & Production and you’ll be part of our manufacturing backbone – and a crucial element of our success. Our factories are where our products start their journey to the customer. This area of Nestlé Waters offers you the chance to experience collaboration in its purest form as you work alongside a diverse range of highly motivated and passionate people in our Technical & Production factories spread across the nation. What you do will be fulfilling, impactful and meaningful – not least is you’ll be helping to deliver healthy hydration to millions of thirsty customers. We’ll make sure you have the strong leadership and clear direction you need to feel motivated and passionate about accomplishing great things. While you take a pride in delivering an excellent performance, you’ll see your contributions are recognized and rewarded with an outstanding level of support, training and benefits – everything you need to grow and thrive in your career.
We are currently seeking a Product Development Manager to be located in Coppell, TX or Stamford, CT (Other locations close to NWUSA Facilities could work as well) and report to the R&D/Innovation Director. The primary responsibilities will include managing innovation and renovation projects for Nestle Waters’ Strategic Brands.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Lead consumer focused new product/formula development projects for all domestic brands (Nestle Pure Life, Poland Springs, Deer Park, Zephyrhills, Ozarka, Ice Mountain and Arrowhead Brands).
- Set and manage project plans and facilitate execution to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Regulatory and Legal while leveraging external resources from the Nestlé Product Technology & R&D Centers, ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers and other 3rd party resources to deliver innovative new product formulations.
- Lead the qualification of 3rd party flavor houses. Develop RFP for new flavor / ingredient opportunity. Provide day-to-day direction to flavor houses or other external product developers through project completion.
• Lead development of product briefs and overall product development effort as work-stream lead or project manager. - Effectively manage multiple projects concurrently varying in length from 6 months to 1 year.
- Utilize the Nestlé Idea-to-Launch (I2L) tools to ensure full compliance with the Nestlé Quality Management System and adhere to all relevant Nestlé Technical Instructions for new product development initiatives
Key qualifications include:
-
Bachelor’s degree required in Food Science, Engineering or related field
-
Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience in product development, marketing, quality, food science or manufacturing required in food and beverage desired
-
Strong project management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and in matrix environments
-
Expertise in stage gate product development processes from concept through post launch
-
Demonstrated ability as an innovative strategic leader capable of driving agile execution strategies for product development teams
-
Demonstrated competency in managing complexity and ambiguity
-
Ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and work with individuals at all levels of the organization to influence the execution of work without direct authority
-
Ability to facilitate meetings, conference calls and present effectively to groups at all levels
-
Excellent communication, relationship building and follow-up skills
-
Strong computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint as well as SAP
-
Prior Operations/Factory experience (any role)
-
Understanding of financials (COGs, basic P&L understanding)
-
Six Sigma Certification, GSTD/DMAIC, FI experience
To our veterans and separated service members: you are at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills that you have gained while serving our country, such as adaptability, agility, and leadership, are aligned with the skills that we look for when we think about what success looks like at Nestle. We hope that you will consider sharing in our mission and purpose to enhance quality of life and contribute to a healthier future.
Nestlé Waters North America is the nation’s leading bottled water company. Our water brands include Poland Spring, Arrowhead, Ozarka, Deer Park, Zephyrhills and Ice Mountain, and Nestlé Pure Life . We’re passionate about creating shared value for society in all kinds of ways: from providing careers and benefits to communities where we operate to environmental stewardship – most notably responsible water management, lightweight packaging and advancing recycling in America. As a valuable part of our team, you’ll receive a competitive total rewards package – something that will provide you with the support you need to thrive both inside and outside of work. It’s not just the work that you’ll find fulfilling here though. As you build a career with us, you’ll receive exactly the kind of benefits you’d expect from a leading name in healthy hydration. The only question is, what elements will help you succeed at Nestlé Waters?
Before the Interview
How to Prepare for an Interview
Before the interview:
Make a good impression before you reach the interview room by updating and maintaining your LinkedIn profile. Prepare for your interview by researching the company, practicing your interview skills, and studying the position so you can see how your skills match up. So you aren’t flustered on your way to the interview, do a dry run to the interview location before your interview day. If you’re looking for more support, reach out to other veterans who have had success with job searching to help you prep.
Key Takeaways
- Update your LinkedIn
- Research our culture, our people, and the location of your interview
- Do a dry run to the interview location
- Prepare specific examples that fit the job requirements
- Use our online skills translator to best explain your skills and experience
- Practice a mock interview
- Reach out to other veterans
During the Interview
During the interview:
Put your best foot forward by arriving in appropriate attire and showcasing the situations, behaviors, and outcomes that have led to your success. By highlighting the skills you obtained in the military and owning your accomplishments, you’ll make a lasting impression.
Key Takeaways
- Dress in business formal
- Practice storytelling
- Have a printed copy of your résumé
- Highlight the skills that match with this job
- Share your accomplishments
- Emphasize your dedication to the job
- Ask questions!
After the Interview
After the interview:
If you’re interested in the position, make it known! Sending an email or thank-you note show your appreciation and keep you in the interviewer’s mind. The job market is competitive, so don’t be discouraged by not landing a job on the first try. Instead, view each interview as a learning experience that will prepare you for future opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Send an email or thank-you note
- Use this interview as a learning experience
Similar Jobs Near You:
'; $("head").append(cd);
The Nestlé Companies are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers and are looking for diversity in qualified candidates for employment: Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veteran. If you require an accommodation in order to view or apply to open positions, please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-877-204-8650. For technical assistance: email NesCareersSupport@icareerhelp.com or phone 1-877-204-8650.
© 2020 Nestlé All rights reserved