Product & Innovation Manager

at  Edgard Cooper

Belgium, Kortrijk
Our mission
In 2016, our founders wanted to feed their dogs - named Edgard and Cooper - pet food they could feel good about. The kind of food that was as good for the planet as it was for their pets. But when they couldn’t find this, they decided to make their own. Now, 8 years later, our pack has 200 employees and we are beyond proud to be part of the B Corp movement.
Want to find out more about us? Click HERE
What type of breed are we looking for?
Would you love to work within a dynamic team for a purposeful brand? Have you always been fascinated by innovation? And you’re a foodie & pet lover? Then we might just have the opportunity of a lifetime…
We are looking for a Product & Innovation Manager to join our team. Someone who loves to turn ideas into tangible products, and gets excited to move through each step of the product development process. You take pride in developing technically sound products in line with consumer needs and our brand vision.
What will be in your bowl?
You’ll be the creator of the most innovative, sustainable, delicious, nutritious, healthy and qualitative products for our lovely furry friends…
You’ll be the source of anything related to trends, developments and innovation within the food and ingredients space
In close collaboration with the brand development squad, you will develop, innovate & renovate the product categories in line with our project pipeline
You’ll take product ownership of specific Innovation and NPD projects in every phase of the product development process from idea or concept until market launch
Creation or translation of the project brief into clear product briefs including the physical & qualitative product characteristics, needed claims & ingredients to use
Recipe development in close collaboration with our internal nutritionist and suppliers based on technical expertise and in line with our brand vision and guidelines
Plan and organize feasibility and validation trials (e.g. test productions, nutritional analyses, palatability tests, transport tests…) to ensure new or improved products and its packaging are of the highest quality
Build a network in the (pet)food industry to rely on during product development (e.g. ingredients, processing, packaging) and have a special eye for new pet food trends
Collaborate with incubators, universities, start-ups, product and pack suppliers to be on top of innovations
What skills & tricks should you bring?
You have minimum 5 years of working experience in product development, innovation and/or product management in the FMCG industry, preferably in the (pet)food industry
You have an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy working in a young, vibrant, fast paced scale-up company that loves to celebrate the small wins
You get energy from coaching other peers and working effectively with multidisciplinary teams
You love to use your experience in project management, planning and organization skills
You have a hands-on working ethos and pro-active mindset
You have excellent communication & networking skills
You’ll thrive here even more if you have flawless knowledge of English, both written and oral. Other languages are a plus!
You are willing to travel for the job to international fairs, suppliers and other partners (up to 20% of time)

NICE TO HAVES:

You hold a Master’s Degree in Science or Engineering (e.g. bioscience engineering, food technology, biotechnology…)
You have a passion for pets, innovation and the food industry in general (trends, ingredients, processes…). You’re curious and always sniff out the way ahead to find solutions
You have experience with intellectual property, patents and innovation subsidies
For this position only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered and visa sponsorship is not available.
Not sure if you tick all the boxes but our role truly excites you? Don’t let our job description hold you back, get applying!
Our benefits
Competitive package inclusive of meal vouchers, phone & subscription, eco vouchers, DKV hospitalisation insurance
Company car & fuel card
Salary package that will reflect your built-up experience
️‍️ Gym access at our office
Company retreats to meet each other in person
‍ Flexibility to work from home
Pets at work so everyday is bring your pet to work day
Unlimited Pet food for your furry friend whilst you are with us
Volunteer Leave to contribute to a cause we believe in
Wellbeing program access to qualified counselling
️ 26 days paid holiday a year (including bank holidays & birthday holiday)
Team activities: appreciation days, wellbeing days, pawesome team buildings, Thursday drinks, cat yoga and many more
Work from anywhere for one month per year to pursue personal interests
‍️ 1 month unpaid leave, giving you some extra time to recharge and come back to work refreshed
Learning opportunities in a truly international environment that will give you extensive responsibility but also guidance as you need it.
️ No agencies, external recruiters or outsourcing companies.
Hiring Process ️‍️
Assessment from home (20mins)
Intro call with Bieke, Talent Acquisition Specialist (25’)
Competency based interview with Kevin, Product Manager (45’)
Case study with Product Squad (60’)
Final call with Margaux, BPI Lead (30’)
Please note that response times may be slower than usual as our recruitment team is currently on a well-deserved break. We appreciate your understanding and patience!
Equal opportunities
We believe the strength of a Pack comes from its diversity. We strive to create an environment where every person feels valued and empowered. So no matter who you are, where you come from, what you believe in or what your dreams are, we welcome you and look forward to receiving your application.
If your circumstances require any special arrangements at any stage of our interview process, please let us know.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
We kindly ask to apply in English

Please refer the Job description for details