We’re on the lookout for an experienced Food Product Developer who has strong consumer focused category, brand and product development experience within FMCG. Must be able to interpret customer needs and lifestyle trends to deliver a product development plan that delivers innovation, maximizes base growth, ensures consistent high quality, value for money and exceeds our customers’ expectations, whilst contributing to the respective category’s overall profitability.
As a Food Product Developer you will be responsible for:
- Lead the development of Own Brand products within the category group and ensure the maintenance of existing Own Brand range.
- Create detailed launch plans for new products in your area of accountability including expected volumes, target price and margin, and benchmark products. Compile the Own Brand Launch plan based on category plans and in accordance with the overall strategies and priorities.
- Manage the product development process for assigned categories, including the preparation and execution of tenders and cost exercises, product and design briefs, sourcing of suppliers, negotiation of better costs, supplier agreements and new line administration.
- Identify, analyze and interpret lifestyle, retail and food trends to ensure that the category continues to deliver strategic leading-edge innovation and profitable sales growth.
- Develop strong customer and supplier relationships by developing and delivering on mutually established goals; enhance the Company’s connectivity with business partners.
What are we looking for?
To qualify for this role, you should:
- 5 years + foods product development or related foods experience.
- BSc Consumer Science or Culinary qualification is advantageous.
- Background should include consumer focused category, brand and product development.
- Proficiency in some or all of: Category Management, Brand Management, Product Development, Sourcing and Supply, packaging management.
- Ability to analyse and convert large amounts of data into insights and recommendations.
- In-depth understanding of the industry and retailer competitive environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SAP, BW, Tableau etc.).
- Regulatory Knowledge (food labelling compliance - R146).
- Recipes, ratio & product cost optimization.
What’s in it for you?
- Robust benefits package.
- Competitive salary.
- A workplace that encourages growth and will challenge you.
- Opportunity to work with one of the world’s largest FMCG companies.
Please note: The health and well-being of our employees has always been a priority to our organisation. Smollan’s obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHASA) which stipulates that an employer has a duty to do what is reasonably practical to ensure that the working environment is safe for all employees and those who access the workplace, has necessitated that we introduce a mandatory vaccination policy. All candidates are advised that should they be successful, it will be a condition of employment that they be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and that the company will require the necessary proof before confirming appointment.
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