Innovation Specialist - Innovation strategy - inspiration & creation, consumer insight and trend evaluation of new opportunities, getting-to-market guidance, Stage-Gate process guidance of development from concept to launch.

* Initiated new strategic direction for business, focused on creating a future revenue stream through brands in an own label dominated business, providing a “shop window” opportunity to showcase capabilities to industry & potential new clients.* Led & managed strategy over 3 years to expand portfolio of branded products from zero to 10 valued at £14m, representing 4% of total business & 8.4% of branded chilled ready meal category, one brand reached top 10 & one top 20 status. Worked with established UK brands and entrepreneurial start-ups, to successfully launch their first chilled ready meal offerings, including Gino D’Campo, BOSH! and The Gym Kitchen. * Showcased agility during tender process to retain & gain own label business resulting in review of retailer development processes to increase speed to market of own label ranges.* Designed and implemented a digital brand strategy in collaboration with IT and technical teams, supporting business development through enhanced visibility of company achievements and values, strengthening the brand's presence in industry investments and awareness initiatives.

* Created & led OM innovation events programme – trend briefings & workshops, nutritional seminars, insight webinars, creative hands-on workshops - supported by selected industry experts & specialist in food, ingredients packaging, nutrition & insight to create a culture of learning & inspiration, delivered on-site (multi-functional culinary hubs) and off-site locations.* Delivered innovative platform to bring the future of product & packaging to life as part of the Oscar Mayer response during retailer tendering process – long term partnership deals (3-5 years) with retail partners secured and “wowed”.

* Created, implemented & managed the Development Process to deliver the lead customer's SMART development framework – delivered increased success rates of development activity, removal of non-value-added activities & reduce the cost of development by 20%.* Developed consumer insight & trend driven focused directional concepts to deliver a product pipeline influencing business plans & product briefs ensuring the Oscar Mayer sites launched majority of the new development.

* Promoted to lead the Development function on the Erith site, focusing on growing customer base & creating new opportunities. Member of the Site Leadership Team, managed, coached, mentored & inspired the Development team - chefs, concept & process technologists.* Project managed & delivered all site development projects from brief to operational handover across multiple retailers.