Durban Food & Beverage Production Shift Lead | Bonus & Benefits

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Lead in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal to drive end-to-end product development from ideation to market launch. The role requires a strong FMCG background, R&D prowess, and hands-on project management to shape innovative products and meet regulatory standards.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, manage pilot-scale trials, and collaborate with Marketing, Operations, and Quality Assurance to ensure timely delivery and market success.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of product innovation within the FMCG space.
• Strong background in R&D and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the product development team, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Oversee the end-to-end product development process, ensuring timely and successful delivery of new products.
• Conduct market research, consumer trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify new product opportunities.
• Develop product concepts, formulations, and specifications, ensuring alignment with market needs and regulatory requirements.
• Manage pilot plant trials and scale-up processes for new product introductions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Procurement, Operations, and Quality Assurance.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with safety, quality, and sustainability standards.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Stay updated on the latest technological advancements and scientific research relevant to the FMCG industry.
• Present product development proposals and progress reports to senior management.

Job description

About the Role Our client, a renowned innovator in the FMCG sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Product Development Lead to spearhead their product innovation efforts. This key role, based in the bustling coastal city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, will be responsible for guiding the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation through to market launch. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of product innovation within the fast-moving consumer goods space, a passion for identifying consumer needs, and a strong background in R&D and project management. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive company that values creativity and scientific excellence, driving the creation of exciting new products that will shape the future of the FMCG market. The role requires a blend of scientific acumen, strategic vision, and a hands‑on approach to product creation.

• Lead and manage the product development team, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.
• Oversee the end-to-end product development process, ensuring timely and successful delivery of new products.
• Conduct market research, consumer trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify new product opportunities.
• Develop product concepts, formulations, and specifications, ensuring alignment with market needs and regulatory requirements.
• Manage pilot plant trials and scale-up processes for new product introductions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Procurement, Operations, and Quality Assurance.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with safety, quality, and sustainability standards.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Stay updated on the latest technological advancements and scientific research relevant to the FMCG industry.
• Present product development proposals and progress reports to senior management.