Brand Development Manager - New Product Innovation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Flexible scheduling

Home office stipend

Health, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Brand Development Manager for a fully remote role. You will identify market opportunities, conceptualize brands, and lead development from ideation to market entry, collaborating with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations to ensure successful launches.

We seek a candidate with 6+ years in FMCG brand management or product development, strong consumer insights, and a proven launch track record.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Product Development; MBA preferred.
• 6+ years in brand management or product development in FMCG.
• Proven success launching products and building brands.
• Strong consumer insights, market analysis, and trend forecasting.
• Excellent project management, planning, and execution skills.
• Remote-friendly with strong communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate opportunities for product innovation in FMCG.
• Lead conceptualization, development, and launch of new brands.
• Conduct market research, consumer insights analysis, and competitive reviews.
• Develop strategies, positioning, and marketing plans for new products.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, sales and operations for launches.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources through development lifecycles.
• Develop brand identity, packaging concepts, and collateral.
• Monitor post-launch performance and collect consumer feedback.
• Build relationships with external partners and agencies.
• Present concepts and strategies to senior leadership for approval.

Skills

Brand management

Product development

Market research

Consumer insights

Project management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Marketing/Business

MBA preferred

Tools

Market research methods

Data analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an innovative and strategic Brand Development Manager to drive the creation and launch of new products. This is a fully remote role, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will be at the forefront of identifying market opportunities, conceptualizing new brands, and leading the development process from ideation to market entry. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer insights, market trends, and product development lifecycles, with a proven history of bringing successful new products to market. We foster a remote-first environment, empowering our team members with the autonomy and resources to thrive. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact on our product portfolio and shape the future of our brands within the competitive FMCG landscape. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and successful launches, contributing significantly to our growth trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities for product innovation within the FMCG sector.


• Lead the conceptualization, development, and launch of new brands and product lines.


• Conduct in-depth market research, consumer insights analysis, and competitive landscape assessments.


• Develop compelling product strategies, positioning, and marketing plans for new product introductions.


• Collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure successful product development and launch execution.


• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively throughout the product development lifecycle.


• Develop brand identity, packaging concepts, and marketing collateral for new products.


• Monitor post-launch performance and gather consumer feedback for continuous improvement.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, agencies, and innovation hubs.


• Present new product concepts and strategies to senior leadership for approval and buy-in.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Product Development, or a related field; MBA preferred.


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in brand management or product development, specifically within the FMCG industry.


• Demonstrated success in launching new products and building brands from concept to market.


• Strong understanding of consumer insights, market analysis, and trend forecasting.


• Excellent project management, strategic planning, and execution skills.


• Proficiency in market research methodologies and data analysis.


• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and remote work environment.


• Creative thinker with a passion for innovation and consumer-centric solutions.


• Strong collaborative spirit and ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.


• Generous paid time off and holidays.


• Professional development opportunities and training programs.


• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible scheduling.


• A culture that fosters innovation and creativity.


• Opportunity to work on exciting new product initiatives.


• Access to industry insights and networking events.


• Home office stipend for equipment and setup.