Mary O'Rourke
Drumree, Co. Meath,Ireland
Summary
A results-driven professional with extensive expertise in new product development & innovation. A creative and strategic thinker. Demonstrates strong leadership skills as a member of a Site Leadership Team, with a proven track record in mentoring and empowering teams. Skilled in effective communication across diverse stakeholders, including cross-functional teams and senior management. Ability to ensure commercial acumen and category insight is at the forefront to product development. Knowledge in maintaining supplier relationships & collaborate with R&D. Implemented stage gate process within NPD frameworks to ensure controlled gates to protect the business. Successful launch of sustainabile initiatives achieving business objectives. Offering strong foundation in project management and process control having implemented stage gate process as part of the NPD process & experience in critical path management. Proven track record in streamlining processes and efficient lifecycle management to ensure right first time.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Director of New Product Development
Lir Chocolates Ltd
05.2023 - Current
Responsible for Innovation and New Production Developement for Lir Chocolates. Inspiring and leading a team of 11 across Product & Brand development, New Product Development, Process Development, Packaging Development. Managing the NPD gated process with RFT KPI's at each stage. Creating and maintaining a Innovation Pipeline for brands and PL customers. Handling budgetary responsibilities for the above functions. Providing thinking time for research and creativity. Ensuring products are developed to the cost parameters according to the need states identified.
Head of Product Development & Innovation
Lir Chocolates Ltd
08.2018 - 05.2023
- The formation of a structure incorporating 4 functions to ensure the NPD process was lean & reducing time to market.
- Established & managed budget.
- Focused on cost out initiatives
- Fostered collaboration among departments for seamless execution of projects and timely delivery of products and successful launches.
- Cultivated an environment conducive to creativity and innovation.
- Implemented KPIs, enhancing team performance and efficiency.
- Conducted competitor analysis, allowing decision making on price & market
- Strengthened brand position through innovative product launches.
- Managed specific R&D projects
- Demonstrated excellent leadership skills whilst managing product development team.
Technical & NPD Manager
Lir Chocolates Ltd
05.2011 - 08.2018
- Responsible for the technical and NPD functions of the business. Responsible for artwork approvals, specifications, legal content of back of packs and advice to NPD.
- Management of the NPD function & creating procedures and processes
- Fostering a culture of creativity within the team and a discipline of RFT for receipes
- Delivered new product concepts and first to market innovation
Technical Assistant
Lir Chocolates Ltd
08.2006 - 05.2011
- Technical Assistant to the Technical Director
- Working closely with suppliers and ensuring up to date with capabilities and R&D
- Inputting information to specifications
- Proving back of packs
- Monitoring quality of product in production
- Creating quality standards for production
- Assisting with training of new products
- Exposure to working cross functionally
- Troubleshoot any technical isssues
- Created recipes for NPD
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
Nottingham University
UK 09.1994 - 06.1999
Diploma of Higher Education - Marketing
Unniversity of Nottingham
UK 09.1999 - 06.2000
Skills
Passionate about food & appreciation of food production systems
Effective communicator with team, cross functional teams and board members
Knowledge of a broad range of suppliers
Vision for future trends
Leadership skills & member of Site Leadership Team
Mentorship & developing teams
Decisive decision making
Sustainability & CSR initiatives
Process and Project Management driven
Commercial acrumen to product development
Management of Brand and Private Label Innovation Pipelines by insight and category information
Created and implemented a stage gate process within NPD Process
Continuous Improvement & Post Implementation Review
Affiliations
- Love food. Such appreciation of nature and food production. Enjoy walking.
- Enjoy gardening. Supporting children in their activities
Languages
English
Native
French
Intermediate
Timeline
Director of New Product Development
Lir Chocolates Ltd
05.2023 - Current
Head of Product Development & Innovation
Lir Chocolates Ltd
08.2018 - 05.2023
Technical & NPD Manager
Lir Chocolates Ltd
05.2011 - 08.2018
Technical Assistant
Lir Chocolates Ltd
08.2006 - 05.2011
Diploma of Higher Education - Marketing
Unniversity of Nottingham
09.1999 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
Nottingham University
09.1994 - 06.1999
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