Nicola Kerr

- Following my successful placement I was hired as a Product Manager until I returned to University in September. My role was to develop, innovate and oversee fresh juices & smoothies, home baking, butter, spreads & margarine and flavoured milk & cream.
- During my time as a Product Manager I created a range of original and exciting products that will launch in April 2012 – I worked with suppliers to develop this range from inspiration, to factory trails and all stages in-between. I am very proud of the products and think customers will really enjoy the new varieties.
- I regularly conducted quality, benchmarking and consistency panels and worked closely with the supply base to ensure my products were the best on the market. I also tracked complaints data and acted upon any issues quickly with suppliers to guarantee customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- I am trained in reading and understanding Neilson and Kantar data, and pride myself on keeping in touch with food trends and the food market in general, fueled by my passion and love of food.

I worked across all areas of the food business, namely in the Quality, Inspiration, Product Manager, Nutrition and PR teams. My main role was to organise and catalogue the Chosen By You consumer testing of Asda Own Label products. The ‘Chosen By You’ brand accounts for £8-9billion worth of annual sales – so not only was this the most significant food development at Asda – it is the single largest own label re-launch ever in UK retailing history. Asda invested more than £100m into the initiative to improve product quality and my team and I worked closely with Cambridge Market Research to liaise with them and suppliers to ensure the 200,000+ taste tests ran smoothly and that all products launched with the customer seal of approval.

Through my work with the Inspiration Team I facilitated at many workshops and innovation events. These events aimed at bringing new ideas to the product ranges and making innovation a reality whilst bringing ‘foodie’-ness to the forefront of Asda.

I supported Product Manager teams by aiding the Chosen By You re-branding transitional period, and also with the organistion and cataloging of all awards, which included chairing meetings and building a relationship with award show organisers, such as the Quality Food Awards.

My role in the Nutrition Team saw me research and record monthly podcasts (which can be downloaded from health.asda.com/team/), and are played in-store to help the customer to make healthier choices and keep informed on nutrition matters. I also liaised with suppliers on nutritional audits and gave presentations on the Nutrition Team’s behalf.

I worked with the PR team to monitor Asda’s reputation in the media, in particular Tried and Tested write-ups, and supported at press days, such as the launch of ‘Chosen By You’, and the ‘Extra Special Dine In’ range.

Due to the success of my placement I have been have been hired as a Product Manager until I return to University in September.

Through events work I have gained flexibility, due to the fact I have had to adapt to and keep up with the many changing environments, jobs and requirements. For these established Events Companies in Northampton I have travelled all over the country doing various jobs, including ticket selling and stewarding, (Biggin Hill Air Show, Oasis concert at the Ricoh Stadium and Aldershot Army Show), silver service waitressing, (VIP dinners at MK Dons stadium and weddings in Castle Ashby), and bar work, (Newmarket and Warwick Racecourses).

I was responsible for providing a safe, stimulating and happy environment for a large group of children (ages ranging from 3 – 11 years) after school, 3 times a week. I had to be aware at all times of Health and Safety issues in a busy environment