Years of professional experience
Ashleigh Graham
New Product Development Manager
Perth,WA
Summary
Talented department manager well-versed in product research, design and development. Hardworking and focused professional with in-depth understanding of market, customer and business needs. Team leader and complex problem-solver.
Overview
24
24
6
6
Years of senior roles
Work History
New Product Development Manager
Vesco Foods Osborne Park
Perth, WA
01.2018 - Current
- Leading the company New Product Development department on marketing leading brands such as Lean Cuisine, Super Nature, On the Menu and Annabel Karmel using a stage and gate process
- Creating and maintaining customer portals – Fusion, Sphere, APP
- Allocation of resources, cross-functional relationships, and strong project management ensure execution of product launches and improvements to plan
- Reviewed product development budgets, expenditures and research
- Identified opportunities for new products and improvements to existing products to increase sales
- Oversaw development of more than 50+ new products each year
- Managed product launches by creating plans and coordinating with internal teams to maximise success
- Created and executed strategies to drive development and success of products
- Maintained internal product knowledge database
- Directed product design, feature definitions and production support
- Liaised with internal and external parties on procurement of new product formulations, international requirements and regulatory changes
- Approved final artwork for each product
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance
- Strong understanding of FSANZ and keeping up to date with legislation changes and new research
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement
Innovation Development Manager
Moy Park
Craigavon
06.2017 - 01.2018
- Developed a range of ready to eat snacks with Jack Links
- Carry out proof of concept trial work using new machinery, packaging and ingredients in line with pre gate zero process
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment
- Organised and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications
- Participated in team projects such as Innovate UK, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
New Product Development Technologist
Moy Park
Craigavon
11.2013 - 06.2017
- Efficiently managed a range of innovation and development products that deliver attractive, profitable products
- Managed development projects for the category by leading meetings and communicating progress to both internal and external teams
- Worked effectively with other functions such as commercial, operations, group technical, process, packaging, site technical to deliver new products and reformulations of existing products
- Focused on standardisation and continuous improvement where possible
- Working closely with other technologists / to agree objectives and create work plans to deliver projects successfully
- Applied all relevant laws and regulations along with company and customer policies and practices pertaining to food standards, preparation and hygiene
- Factory trialling approved products to generate specifications, nutrition, shelf life, cooking instructions and customer samples
- Product Costings – generating recipe passports accurately for product to be costed by site accounts
- Travelling to other sites in England and Thailand for trials or customer visits
- Presentations at customer headquarters - Tesco, Sainsburys, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons and Aldi
- Organising and carrying out successful product launches
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Assistant Food Technologist
Moy Park
Craigavon
05.2007 - 11.2013
- Competitor analysis – carrying out benchmarking sessions regularly
- Assisting technologists in their role with paperwork (Submission forms and theoretical nutrition calculations)
- Representing Moy Park at food events and customer presentations
- Carrying out factory trials at various sites in Northern Ireland and England
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments
- Demonstrated strong organisational and time management skills while managing multiple projects
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
Process Operative / Sampling Officer
Moy Park
Moira
10.1999 - 05.2007
- Audits
- Taste panels
- Customer samples / chemical and micro sample testing
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others
- Gained extensive knowledge in sensory analysis and reporting
Education
Master of Science - Food Nutrition and Health
University College Dublin
Dublin 09.2020 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Food Manufacturing
Loughry College
Cookstown 09.2012 - 12.2015
Skills
Food regulations
Project management
Specification writing
Production expertise
Research and design activities
Strategic planning
Product development
Budgeting and allocation
Staff management
Product costings
End to end development
Nutrition
Critical thinking
Ingredients
Marketing familiarity
Additional Information
- British Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident
- Full Clean Driving License
Timeline
Master of Science - Food Nutrition and Health
University College Dublin
09.2020 - 05.2023
New Product Development Manager
Vesco Foods Osborne Park
01.2018 - Current
Innovation Development Manager
Moy Park
06.2017 - 01.2018
New Product Development Technologist
Moy Park
11.2013 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Food Manufacturing
Loughry College
09.2012 - 12.2015
Assistant Food Technologist
Moy Park
05.2007 - 11.2013
Process Operative / Sampling Officer
Moy Park
10.1999 - 05.2007