ENVIRONMENT:
Our client, a global FMCG leader with three Cape Town sites and over 500 employees, seeks a seasoned Product Developer to facilitate the growth of export by working with other business units to launch export ready products to various markets across the world. The focus is on Sauces & Condiments.
DUTIES:
Product development:
- Work with other companies to develop tried and tested, commercially viable and sustainable products.
- Market research and concept development with sales & NPD departments to determine opportunities for products that can be developed by business units to meet export requirements.
- Recipe development and tastings with business units.
- Pitch preparation arranging mock up samples and marketing material.
- Execute supplier approval process (SQA).
- Manage product development process within given deadlines, ensure product conforms to country and customer specific regulations on product and packaging.
- All stages of the development process to be followed and documented meticulously.
- Ensure compliance to Company certifications – Audit prep and process to be executed.
- Effective execution of launches including factory implementation of factory trials and travel tests.
- Provide information and technical support to marketing, QA and sales teams to facilitate flawless launch.
- Specification generation oversight & maintenance.
Supplier liaison:
- Gather & map out capabilities and compliance of suppliers to international standards.
- Facilitate required growth to supply relevant markets – ensure sales team are equipped with full product knowledge.
- Match commercial opportunities with capabilities of suppliers and oversee development.
- Supplier interaction and assistance in sourcing of raw materials and packaging when required.
- Develop process & documentation to ensure relevance & compliance E.g. Specs, Legislated requirements, testing.
- Launch assistance to supplier on technical and process implementation.
Commercial interface:
- Identify gaps and opportunities in strategic markets.
- Work with sales to cost grocery products and deliver a commercially viable and competitive offering.
- Involvement in value engineering as required.
- Creation of pitch presentations & concepts on PowerPoint
- Gain supplier buy-in by painting commercial picture and size of the prize. Ensure targeted developments.
- Involvement in drawing up/maintenance of contracts.
- Ensure sales team are equipped with full product knowledge to drive growth.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Required Knowledge:
- Either an equivalent of the below degree and 3-5 years’ experience or simply 5-10 years’ experience in the industry will be recognized:
- Food Technology
- BSc Food Science
Advantageous experience in:
- Project Management
- Product Development
- Commercial exposure
- Computer Literacy (Microsoft office)
- Excel Fluency – Intermediate level
- Excellent verbal and written communication in English
- Driver’s license essential
ATTRIBUTES:
- Deadline driven
- Proactive and enthusiastic
- High attention to detail
- Ability to work in a high pressure and fast paced environment
- Ability to multi- task between multiple projects
- A creative thinker
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Optimistic solution finder
- Commercially minded
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- A passionate & knowledgeable foodie
- A methodical approach and adhere to procedure
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