Cape Town - Western Cape
ENVIRONMENT:
Our client, a global FMCG leader with three Cape Town sites and over 500 employees, seeks a seasoned Product Developer to join their team focusing on international trade and customer service. This role requires a blend of commercial expertise and project management skills, ideal for a food enthusiast. Responsibilities include spearheading projects for a major local client and expanding the tea business globally with a focus on innovative South African products. The position offers challenges and learning opportunities in international business and the food sector, aiming for top-tier performance. Key objectives encompass project management and product development.
DUTIES:
- Keep abreast of, and research new concepts, trends, market activity and innovation within the tea and herb and spice categories
- Develop successful, commercially viable products that are sustainable and in line with the trends and intended target market
- Project manage and execute all stages of the product development process within given deadlines
- Ensure product conforms to country specific regulations on product and packaging
- Manage sustainable sourcing of new raw materials and packaging from compliant suppliers
- Ensure NPD compliance is in line with company certifications, for both tea and spice
- Liaison between customer and internal operational departments on all new projects to ensure effective launches
- Schedule, lead and monitor customer weekly meetings and minutes
- On-time product launches
- Effective execution of launches within internal departments
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
- Project Management
- Product Development
- Commercial exposure
- Computer Literacy (Microsoft office)
- Excel Fluency Intermediate level
- Excellent verbal and written communication in English
- Drivers license essential
- Deadline driven
- Proactive and enthusiastic
- Commercially minded
- High attention to detail
- A passionate and knowledgeable foodie
- Strong interpersonal skills
- A Creative thinker
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Positive Mindset
- Solution-orientated
