Job Description
For almost a decade, we’ve been redefining the way people discover and enjoy new drinks from the convenience of their home. From our successful Dragon’s Den pitch to launching our new rum subscription and seeing our products appear on some of the UK High Street’s most prestigious shelves, it’s been quite the journey so far.
But there’s much more to come as we have start to embrace new spirits, new channels and new markets through which to grow our business. We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of New Product Development to play a key part in our exciting journey.
The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
The role
At any given time we are designing, sourcing and manufacturing 20+ NPD lines. These include, but are not limited to; 70cl craft premium gin and rum, gifting products (such as alcohol based advent calendars) and products to complement such as garnishes and syrups. We have several channels to market, including directly D2C through our website, B2B in key retailers and also moving into European markets.
The role will consist of the following core responsibilities:
- Product / market fit - Using own initiative and market research, combined with data and insights from distillers and retailer partners, to help CGC achieve its sales objectives.
The Sales and Marketing teams will set the direction, and identify the target customer, but it will be the responsibility of the Head of NPD to design, cost and propose products that meet that brief. The Head of NPD will be at the heart of establishing the best product market fit. - Product design - While Sales and Marketing will provide a brief / direction, the Head of NPD will be responsible for Product Design. Contents, look and feel,, materials, style and ingredients will all be overseen by this role.
- Product Manufacturing - The Head of NPD will also be responsible for making product ideas a reality. Two of the direct reports in the role will be production and sourcing specialists. The Head of NPD will oversee the end to end journey from design to manufacturing, right through to handing the finished product over to the Supply Chain and Fulfillment Team.
> Previous experience in a similar role, leading a department in a fast paced business
> Experience within the F&B industry would be highly advantageous - alcohol would be a plus
> Highly innovative - new product ideas come from you!
> Market trends - keen eye for where the market is at and where it’s heading
> Great communicator - able to articulate ideas confidently both verbally and in writing
> Analytical - able to own a spreadsheet and cost a product
> Good negotiator - Knows how to save a £ and is confident doing it! Knows how to maintain good interpersonal relationships in order to leverage the best costs.
> Excellent attention to detail. We need someone who obsesses over the details
> High passionate - full of enthusiasm for the mission and able to lead a team
> Proven operator - knows how to handle a manufacturing environment and to drive the right results (even if that means some tough conversations)
> Dynamic and adaptive - happy to handle change
> Time / critical path management - Is essential for keeping multiple internal and external projects on time and within budget
> Can lead and motivate a team - getting the best out of them and leads by example
- Central London location - with hybrid working (minimum 2 days in the office a week)
- 25 days holiday rising with length of service
- Flexible working hours
- Real career progression opportunities, with the chance to grow as we do
- Dynamic working environment
- Regular social events
- Weekly gin and rum tasting
- Free Gin (or rum) of the Month box every month
- Generous staff discount on our online store
- Opportunity to take part in regular product tastings and attend industry events
At Craft Gin Club we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We look for team members who will positively contribute to our gin-loving, passionate culture and believe that an inclusive and diverse work environment is one in which we all thrive.