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Salary: Competitive Plus Benefits
Location: London Store Support Centre and Home, London, EC1M 6HA
Contract type: Fixed-Term Assignment
Business area: Food Commercial
Closing date: 25 March 2026
Requisition ID: 400052176

We’d all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That’s waiting for you at Sainsbury’s. Here, everything in our Sainsbury’s stores starts out in Sainsbury’s Commercial. Whether it’s the product, proposition, packaging or price, or the fact that something tastes great, our team is responsible for all food, non- food and Clothing items available in Sainsbury’s stores, digitally and on demand. You’ll discover it’s incredibly fast-paced. People here are in it together and not afraid to take risks. They’re enthusiastic too, and their amazing leadership team is right behind them. The knowledge and experience you gain here could set you up for career moves anywhere else in the business. So, if you’re passionate about your products and just as hungry to learn, you’ll fit in perfectly.

Why join us?

Joining Sainsbury's as a Product Development Manager in General Merchandise means being at the forefront of product, innovation and creativity, where you will be part of a team that are at the heart of identifying new trends & opportunities to launch product innovation, where it matters most to our customers. 

You will work closely with the Director of Product & Innovation – Grocery & GM, and the cross functional GM category leadership team to develop category specific, strategic product plans that deliver the Sainsbury’s commercial plan .As part of a collaborative team that embraces new trends &  values customer quality measures , you will lead the GM ‘Home’ product  projects, set design directions, and drive innovation excellence, all while receiving support and resources to enhance your skills and expertise. With a focus on continuous development and a passion for delivering excellence, you will be part of a dynamic environment that encourages creativity, communication, and cross-functional collaboration to bring innovative products to life and make a real impact in the retail industry.


What you’ll do

You’ll be collaborating to drive our General Merchandise innovation, shaping bold product strategies that unlock commercial growth and bring fresh ideas to life. Using cutting‑edge market trends and rich customer insight, you’ll spot opportunities to elevate and reinvent Sainsbury’s Own Brand ranges, leading Home product projects from big‑idea concept through to flawless launch—on time and on budget. Working hand‑in‑hand with cross‑functional teams, suppliers and partners, you’ll own the creation and delivery of inspiring Product Briefs and steer the end‑to‑end design generation process. Alongside this, you’ll build and lead a high‑performing team, developing talent and momentum to deliver ambitious plans and real impact.

Who you are

As a Product Development Manager in General Merchandise for Sainsbury's, you have  a strong background in product development in General Merchandise within the retail or manufacturing industry, essential for driving innovation and delivering high-quality products to meet customer expectations. With your passion for product, commercial awareness, customer quality measures expertise, and proven track record in setting product direction through detailed briefs and processes, you possess the skills necessary to lead and manage projects effectively while interpreting and analysing data to make informed decisions. Your passion for new trends, effective communication, and strong drive to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams showcase your commitment to delivering excellence and driving success in product development.

Essential Criteria

  • Extensive current and proven experience in Product Development within General Merchandise or a related non‑food consumer goods category. 
  • Strong expertise in leading product development and innovation through a collaborative stage‑and‑gate process. 
  • Demonstrable experience managing suppliers and manufacturers, including international sourcing (with Asia sourcing experience an advantage). 
  • A track record of successfully managing multiple projects and critical paths in a fast‑paced, commercial environment. 
  • People management experience, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate teams effectively.

Please note this is a 9-12month Fixed Term Contract

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer, so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new - whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits. Here are some of them:
 
 Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to get 10% off at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat after 4 weeks. This increases to 15% off at Sainsbury’s every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 20% of salary, depending on how we perform.  
 
 Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance, and you can buy additional holiday. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, interest free car loan of up to £10k, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, pay advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an Employee Assistance Programme, you will also be eligible for private healthcare too.

Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave. 
 
 Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).

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