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
undefinedAdditional 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
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