Junior Product Developer

Smdtechnologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global product developer is seeking a Junior Product Developer in Johannesburg to support the development of innovative consumer products. The ideal candidate should have up to 3 years of experience in product development and possess strong analytical and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PowerBI is required. This role involves collaboration across teams and engaging in market research, product testing, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Up to 3 years’ product development or related experience.
• Knowledge of prototyping and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PowerBI.
• Strong organisational abilities.
• Willingness to travel when required.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior developers with product concepts, prototypes, and specifications.
• Conduct trend analysis, competitor benchmarking, and consumer research.
• Participate in product testing and QA processes.
• Maintain product documentation including manuals and technical sheets.
• Track product development timelines and milestones.
• Use PowerBI to track performance and identify insights.
• Prepare performance reports in PowerBI.
• Collect and analyse customer feedback.

Skills

Product development

Market research

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

PowerBI

Organizational abilities

Tools

PowerBI

Job description

Department: Product & Category Management – Appliances, Personal Care & Seasonal Reports To: Head of Appliances and Personal Care

About Us

SMD Technologies is a leading global product and brand developer, offering a wide portfolio of innovative, high-quality consumer products. Our brands—including Volkano, Amplify, Bounce, Rocka, Eiger, Connex Connect, Switched, Kingsons and more—span multiple industries. We are committed to excellence and are seeking a driven Junior Product Developer to support growth across our Appliances, Personal Care, and Seasonal categories.

Job Overview

The Junior Product Developer will support the end-to-end development of new products and enhancements to existing products across multiple consumer categories. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to bring innovative, market-relevant products from conception to launch.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development Support:

• Assist senior developers with product concepts, prototypes, and specifications.
• Participate in brainstorming and idea generation.
• Support refinement of existing product lines.

Market Research & Insights:

• Conduct trend analysis, competitor benchmarking, and consumer research.
• Analyse market and category data to guide product decisions.

Testing & Quality Assurance:

• Participate in product testing and QA processes.
• Assist in documenting test results.

Documentation & Administration:

• Maintain product documentation including manuals, specs, and technical sheets.

Project Coordination:

• Track product development timelines and milestones.
• Report project progress and escalate risks.
• Work with internal teams and suppliers.

Category Management:

• Support category growth with the sales team.
• Ensure product availability aligned with customer requirements.
• Use PowerBI to track performance and identify insights.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work with sales, marketing, compliance, logistics, and manufacturing.
• Assist with packaging, marketing briefs, and related tasks.

Reporting & Data Analysis:

• Prepare performance reports in PowerBI.
• Analyse sales data to forecast trends and identify opportunities.

Customer Feedback & Improvement:

• Collect and analyse customer feedback.
• Recommend improvements and enhancements.

Qualifications

• Up to 3 years’ product development or related experience.
• Knowledge of prototyping and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PowerBI.
• Strong organisational abilities.
• Willingness to travel when required.

Preferred

• Experience in consumer electronics, appliances, personal care, FMCG, or retail.