Job description Job title:

Product Development Manager

Salary:

£28,966.63 – 36,201.37 (+ Inner London Weighting if applicable)

Grade:

National E2 / Inner London E2

Hours per week: Location: Accountable to:

35 SAH offices across UK Deputy Director of Fundraising

Our Vision We want a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need.

Introduction The Stroke Association is the leading UK stroke charity. We have been leading the fight against stroke for over 20 years. We influence and campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. We fund world-class research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent the devastation of stroke. Breakthroughs in treatment have halved the number of people dying from stroke in the UK but it is still the second biggest killer in the world. That is why we are involved in projects across the globe. Stroke is one of the greatest health challenges of our time with approximately one stroke happening every three and a half minutes in the UK. One in four strokes is fatal within the first year and it is the most common cause of ‘complex’ adult disability. Over a third of the UK’s 1.2 million stroke survivors are left dependent on others for everyday activities. The incidence of stroke is rising significantly among people of working age, and also affects more than 400 children each year. To realise a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need, we work with integrity, demonstrating our values as one combined passionate, innovative, respectful and professional team within the Stroke Association. Together we can conquer stroke.

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Purpose of role The Product Development Manager is responsible for developing an approach to product development and evaluation that ensures our offering is robust, meets and exceeds the needs of the organisation and our supporters and achieves stand out in a crowded marketplace. You will ensure that our product portfolio is performing optimally by working with internal and external stakeholders to review all aspects of product development and delivery. Your aim is an exciting, diverse and engaging Fundraising offering for our supporters and target audiences. The role sits within the Fundraising Development team. The Development team provides the tools and expertise that fundraisers need to achieve in four keys areas – Digital Fundraising, Database Management, Product Development and Supporter Stewardship. You will work closely with colleagues to ensure a coherent and consistent package of expert support across the Directorate. Key tasks of role 1. Work with the New Product Development Manager to: a. Complete a full audit of our current product portfolio in line with audience insight and optimal supporter journeys, identifying gaps and development needs and recommending strategies in line with findings b. Develop a coherent Product Development Strategy that covers new and existing products c. Proactively contribute to the development of a culture of innovation within the Stroke Association and the Fundraising team 2. Regularly review existing product portfolio, providing and pursuing recommendations to ensure products are maximised, reach target audiences and are delivered in the most efficient and effective way 3. Regularly review product development requirements across the Fundraising Directorate and particularly across the existing and ‘owned’ portfolio 4. Bring together and lead cross-functional teams who will review all aspects of product planning and delivery e.g. supplier management, event management, marketing, resourcing, processes and financial performance against targets and agree a plan for delivery, targets and KPIs 5. Work with Community and Events Fundraising team to specifically and proactively review our owned-product portfolio including the Resolutions Run series, Step Out for Stroke, Thames Bridges Bike Ride and Sip for Stroke where appropriate or when briefed to do so 6. Work with the Insight and Planning Directorate to gain a thorough understanding of our current and prospective supporter base in order to develop the most relevant and successful opportunities to engage

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7. Devise, champion and deliver on a process of continual improvement within product development 8. Lead sessions on development and innovation across the Fundraising function in conjunction with New Product Development Manager 9. Build excellent relationships with Fundraising colleagues and be a key influencer within the Development team 10. Proactively contribute to the development and delivery of the Development Team strategy

Other tasks and requirements 11. To undertake any other duties commensurate with the purpose and remit of the post. 12. To encourage people to support the Stroke Association. 13. To embrace our corporate values, mission and vision in everything we do. 14. To be willing to travel during the course of your duties with possible overnight stays away from home. 15. To follow the Stroke Association’s Health and Safety policy and procedure to ensure that we work in a safe environment.

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Person specification Education

Essential / Desirable

Good level of education with passes to GCSE level or equivalent, including English Language and Maths

Essential

Willingness to undertake training and continuing professional development

Essential

Experience Experience of recognising and acting on opportunities to develop new approaches or products, developing objectives and driving change

Essential

Experience of product evaluation spanning from logistics to marketing and processes

Essential

Significant experience of gathering and/or applying insight to working practice to drive better results

Essential

Experience of leading complex projects involving a wide range of stakeholders from initial planning to successful conclusion

Essential

Experience of leading on, planning and/or delivering on successful integrated, multi-channel marketing plans associated with campaigns or products

Desirable

Experience of working within the charity sector and ideally within Fundraising

Desirable

Appropriate project management training or learning, for example around Prince2 or Agile

Desirable

Abilities and competencies Commercially aware, able to spot opportunities, gaps and trends in the marketplace (ideally within the charity sector)

Essential

A creative thinker who can demonstrate a passion for improvement through change

Essential

Excellent presentation skills in both a formal and informal setting

Essential

Able to adopt a creative approach to exploring and solving problems

Essential

Ability to develop robust and successful business cases

Essential

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Good communication skills and the ability to work with, lead and influence a wide range of stakeholders

Essential

Ability to organise a busy workload and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines

Essential

Thorough and accurate and able to work with attention to detail

Essential

Computer literate and able to use a range of IT products to a high standard

Essential

Other requirements Ability to demonstrate an understanding and commitment to our corporate values

Essential

To be committed to the principles of equal opportunities and diversity

Essential

To have an understanding of Stroke

Desirable

This information will be used as part of the shortlisting process.

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