Development Account Manager

Location:         Hamilton (on-site)

Shift:                Monday to Friday       

Salary:             Competitive + Benefits 

We have an opportunity for a Development Account Manager to join our Development team in Hamilton.

135 years of craft baking skills lie behind the quality of the special branded cakes, sweet snacks and slices we produce in Hamilton and 55 million products are produced each year. Lightbody’s is the UK’s largest supplier of celebration cakes to UK retailers, with Disney, Mars, Universal and Thorntons all within the portfolio of branded cakes made under licence.  We also make a variety of  supermarkets’ well-loved own-label cakes and in-store bakery bites.

The Development Account Manager will create, manage and deliver the development plan through effective teamwork and a drive for continuous improvement.

This is a fast paced role, where the successful candidate will have a preferred Degree in Food science / technology or similar degree, have experience within the food industry in a similar role, with a knowledge and passion for food. The will be able to build strong and effective internal and external customer relationships, focusing on developing how we do business as well as results.

This role is based in Hamilton, however a willingness to travel is required as the Development Controller will occasionally visit our other sites.

This is a great opportunity for someone to gain experience with one of the UK’s largest bakery businesses. They’ll work closely with a friendly and engaging team from both a site and group perspective, offering opportunities for growth and long-term career development.

This is what you’ll actually do!

As the Development Account Manager they will successfully innovate new products and processes for the cake business to: - maintain and extend current categories and to deliver new products and processes outside the current ranges and innovate to a level that satisfies the agreed business launch plan. They will manage focused development of new products to deliver the budgeted margin for specific product categories. The Dam will understand the wants and needs of both internal and external customers to keep us jointly continually ahead of our competition with regular, focused and planned customer meetings to achieve desired outcomes

They will manage, motivate and inspire direct reports to achieve personal development and continual improvement, support the team to effectively deliver the development activity to the highest standard.  

To be successful in the role they will monitor product quality of existing and new products in the business and ensure that the development manager agrees an action plan. Has an understanding of category management principles and the ability to apply them. Ensures development activity delivers business margin aspirations.

Ideally this is you!

• Degree preferred Food science / technology or similar degree / HND equivalent or relevant experience
• At least three years experience working in a similar role within the food industry
• Knowledge and passion for Food
• Excellent communication skills
• Computer literate – computer skills and knowledge of word and excel systems
• Basic or above Food hygiene