Deputy Product Development Manager

Pedros Chicken; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Pedros Chicken is seeking an experienced Deputy Head of Product Development to co-lead the Product Development team and drive day-to-day execution of the product pipeline. You will manage people, processes and outputs, deputising for the Head of Product Development as required.

You will shape strategy, own end-to-end menu item delivery, and coordinate with Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations and Franchise teams to ensure on-brand, on-time launches.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Product Development role, ideally within food/FMCG/Retail/QSR.
• Demonstrated people management experience with direct reports.
• Strong PM skills to manage multiple initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end delivery of new menu items, from concept through to launch.
• Shape product development strategy and roadmap.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations and Franchise teams.
• Monitor product performance post-launch and recommend improvements based on sales data and market trends.
• Manage product development budgets, timelines and supplier relationships.
• Deputise for Head of Product Development as required.

Skills

Leadership

Product development

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Communication skills

QSR / Food industry experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Business / Marketing

Job description

Pedros is seeking an experienced Deputy Head of Product Development to act as second-in-command (2IC) to the Head of Product Development. This role is responsible for co-leading the Product Development team, driving day-to-day execution of the product pipeline, and ensuring product outcomes are delivered on time, on brand and on budget. The successful candidate will manage people, process and output, deputising for the Head of Product Development as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Product Development

• Support the Head of Product Development in shaping and executing the product development strategy and roadmap.
• Own the end-to-end delivery of new menu items, flavour innovations and value offerings, from concept through to launch.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations and Franchise teams to ensure successful product rollouts.
• Monitor product performance post-launch and recommend improvements based on sales data, customer feedback and market trends.
• Manage product development budgets, timelines and supplier relationships in collaboration with the Head of Product Development.
• Ensure all products meet Pedros' quality, food safety and brand standards.

Team & People Management

• Directly manage, coach and develop members of the Product Development team, ensuring clear goals and accountability.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews and development planning for direct reports.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture aligned with Pedros' values.
• Manage team workload, prioritisation and resourcing across concurrent product projects.
• Act as a deputy to the Head of Product Development, stepping in to lead the team and key decisions in their absence.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and capability-building within the Product Development team.

Leadership & Reporting

• Report on product development progress, risks and outcomes to the Head of Product Development and wider leadership.
• Contribute to strategic planning sessions, bringing insights from the team and the market.
• Champion best practice in product development processes, tools and ways of working.

Requirements:

• Proven previous experience in a Product Development role, ideally within food, FMCG, retail or QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) environments.
• Demonstrated people management experience, including direct line management of a team.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple product initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong commercial and analytical acumen, with the ability to interpret sales and customer data.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience within the QSR, restaurant or food franchise industry.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle and NPD (New Product Development) frameworks.
• Tertiary qualification in Food Science, Business, Marketing or a related field.