Global Head of Product Development – Convenience (Interim)

About the role

Westfalia Fruit is seeking an experienced leader to head its global convenience product development on an interim basis (3‑6 months). You will own the end‑to‑end portfolio and new‑product‑development pipeline, ensuring innovation aligns with commercial goals and margin growth.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute a global convenience product development strategy linked to commercial growth.
• Build a scalable, consistent innovation framework across regions to reduce duplication.
• Lead the long‑term innovation roadmap, balancing new product creation with continuous improvement.
• Own the full NPD lifecycle from concept through launch and commercialization.
• Implement and manage stage‑gate processes to guarantee quality, accountability and timely delivery.
• Prioritise projects based on commercial value, customer demand and operational feasibility.
• Partner with Commercial, Supply Chain, Operations and production sites to deliver scalable products.
• Engage customers and market stakeholders to translate insights into viable product opportunities.
• Lead and develop regional product development specialists, building capability and technical expertise.
• Oversee project delivery, timelines and portfolio performance while identifying gaps and growth opportunities.

Required profile

• Degree (or equivalent) in Food Technology, Food Science or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience leading R&D and product development functions within the food industry.
• Proven track record delivering successful new‑product‑development projects.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to align innovation with margin objectives.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the global convenience innovation agenda for a market‑leading avocado and fresh‑produce company.
• Senior leadership exposure within a multinational, vertically‑integrated supply chain.
• Competitive interim compensation package.