PRODUCT MANAGER DACH

For our client, a stable and fast-growing company in the food sector, we are looking for a PRODUCT MANAGER DACH.

The Company

Join a solid, fast-growing international food group specializing in the production of high-quality Private Label desserts. As part of a larger global organization (with over 3,600 employees and 20 production sites across 6 countries).
They offer a young, stimulating, and evolving work environment that strongly encourages individual initiative and professional development through an internal talent program aimed at cultivating future leaders.

The Role & Key Objectives

As Product Manager for the DACH Market (with a strong focus on Germany), you will be instrumental in driving the market's expansion.

Your core focus will be the autonomous management and development of the Private Label portfolio (New Product Development/Existing Product Development - NPD/EPD) for the chilled desserts category.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and own the 18-month Private Label portfolio shifting plan for the country, ensuring alignment with the overall company strategy and delivering on Net Sales (NS) and Margin Contribution (MAC) growth targets.
• Manage the entire innovation funnel process, from interpreting customer briefs and understanding German consumer trends (flavors, textures, packaging) to leading product development with the R&D teams in Italy.
• Proactively develop relevant NPD based on future customer needs (PULL) and emerging consumer trends (PUSH).
• Work closely with the Sales and Category teams to analyze product performance (ROS, consumer reviews) and define EPD strategies.
• Deliver outstanding innovation presentations to customers in collaboration with R&D and Sales.
• Maintain updated knowledge of the chilled desserts market, monitoring competitors and key food consumer trends to ensure innovations are timely and relevant.

Required Skills & Experience (Must-Haves)

• Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience, preferably within the Food and Beverage sector.
• Expertise: Strong proven experience in the New Product Development (NPD) funnel and project management.
• Background: Ideally, previous experience from a manufacturing company or a background as an Assistant/Buyer in Modern Trade (GDO).
• Language:Fluent German (C1 level) is essential for daily interaction with the German team and clients.
• Soft Skills: Entrepreneurial attitude, strong cross-functional collaboration skills, and a high level of autonomy.

What We Offer

• Contract: Permanent employment contract (Indeterminato) under the National Collective Labour Agreement for the Food Industry (CCNL Alimentare/Alifond).
• Work Model: Hybrid model with flexibility for 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
• Travel: Limited travel to Germany (approximately 1-2 times per year) and occasional short trips to Italian production plants for product validation.