Berni Donaghey

Berni Donaghey – Product Development Manager

After leaving school I went to university and qualified as a chef. Following this I worked as a chef in New York, USA for 2½ years at a prestigious country club before returning to work as a chef in Ireland. I then worked for the Northern Ireland Hotel & Catering College as a Chef Lecturer teaching NVQ’s in Catering. I returned to university in 2000 as a mature student and graduated in 2005 with a BA Hons Culinary Arts (first class honours). Prior to my final year at university I was employed by New Covent Garden for 18 months as a Development Technologist at the Peterborough site (Soups & Sauces), and then the Johnson site in Kent (Fresh Juices).

I joined Bakkavor in July 2005 on the Development AMS programme, based at Spalding.  Initially I was employed as a Development Technologist, progressing to Senior Technologist, and then Product Manager within 18 months. I left the Spalding site in June 2007, and joined the Freshcook team at Holbeach as a Product Manager, progressing further to my current position of Product Development Manager 12 months ago.

Working in development is unquestionably exciting, demanding and stimulating. The fundamental elements of this role are keeping abreast of current food & market trends, and proactive NPD. I particularly enjoy managing the product development lifecycle from kitchen concept through to an actual product on the retailer’s shelf, whilst maintaining tight management, and control over critical paths. Building relationships both internally with colleagues and externally with customers and suppliers is essential in order to succeed.

I believe I have the best job in the world! Being able to thrive in a fast paced environment, and having the opportunity to see concepts that I have developed succeed in the marketplace as commercially viable products is the best reward. Mentoring the development team at Freshcook & current AMS candidates is rewarding on both a personal and professional level as they progress through their development career path.

To be involved in product development at Bakkavor, you need to be a creative individual with a genuine passion and enthusiasm for food, while being able to combine vision with good commercial instincts. You need to work well under pressure especially with the demands of both the customer, and the time constraints of the business environment. You have to be confident, self-motivated with good project management and organisational skills, with a drive for results. Building relationships with the customer whilst having an excellent understanding and working relationship at both departmental and site level is a key part of achieving success with new products.