Product Development Manager

Placements24

Hurlingham

Hybrid

ARS 91,659,000 - 137,489,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

International travel

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Product Development Manager to lead product innovation initiatives in the FMCG sector, based in Sandton. You will identify new market opportunities, manage the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch, and work with R&D, marketing, and sales to meet consumer needs and achieve commercial success in Gauteng and beyond.

The role requires proven FMCG product development experience, strong project management and analytical skills, and the ability to drive

Qualifications

Proven experience leading FMCG product development initiatives.
Strong understanding of product innovation processes and consumer behavior.
Demonstrated success in launching products with market traction and commercial impact.

Responsibilities

Lead ideation, development, and launch of new FMCG products.
Perform market research, feasibility studies and competitor analysis.
Manage the product development process from concept to commercialization.
Collaborate with R&D, QA, Marketing and Sales across the lifecycle.
Develop business cases, projections, and go-to-market strategies.
Monitor post-launch performance and identify optimization opportunities.

Skills

Product development management

FMCG knowledge

Market research

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Marketing, or Business

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Product Development Manager to lead their product innovation initiatives in the FMCG sector, based in Sandton. This role is crucial for identifying new market opportunities, developing groundbreaking products, and managing the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch. You will work closely with R&D, marketing, and sales teams to ensure products meet consumer needs and achieve commercial success within the Gauteng market and beyond. This is a strategic position for a leader passionate about creating the next generation of FMCG products.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the ideation, development, and launch of new FMCG products, aligning with market trends and consumer insights.
Conduct thorough market research, feasibility studies, and competitor analysis to identify product opportunities.
Manage the product development process from concept generation through to commercialization, ensuring timely execution.
Collaborate closely with R&D, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Sales teams throughout the product lifecycle.
Develop business cases, financial projections, and go-to-market strategies for new product introductions.
Monitor product performance post-launch and identify opportunities for product enhancement or line extensions.

Requirements

Proven experience as a Product Development Manager or similar role in the FMCG industry.
Strong understanding of product innovation processes, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.
Demonstrated success in launching new products that achieve market traction and commercial success.
Excellent project management, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
Strong collaboration and communication skills to effectively lead cross‑functional teams.
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Marketing, Business, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

Benefits