New Product Developer

Scistaff; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Scistaff is seeking a mid-level New Product Developer with a minimum of three years of product development experience in the food industry. The role focuses on taking concepts to launch through cross-functional collaboration, supplier liaison, and costings to meet margins.

Responsibilities include managing NPD projects on schedule, validating recipe and process scalability, and ensuring labeling, shelf-life, and safety compliance. Strong data analysis and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Food Technology or Food Science with at least 3 years product development experience.
• Strong computer literacy and numerical analytics.
• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products aligned with the annual innovation plan and market trends from concept to launch.
• Project manage NPD projects within defined launch timelines.
• Source ingredients and packaging and maintain supplier relationships.
• Contribute to accurate product costings that meet target margins.
• Conduct recipe development through kitchen trials and factory scale-ups.
• Ensure compliance with labeling regulations, shelf-life and food safety of NPD products.
• Maintain NPD documentation, specifications, and product data.
• Collaborate with multifunctional teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Analyze sales data to determine product market performance.

Skills

Product development

Data analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelors in Food Technology or Food Science

Tools

Excel

Job description

An exciting opportunity exists for a mid-level New Product Developer with at least 3 years of product development experience in the Food Industry.

Responsibilities will include but is not limited to: Develop new products aligned with the annual innovation plan and market trends, from concept to launch. Project manage assigned NPD projects within defined launch timelines. Source ingredients and packaging, maintaining supplier relationships. Contribute to accurate product costings that meet target margins. Conduct recipe development through kitchen trials and factory scale-ups. Conduct internal consumer tasting panels. Ensure compliance with labelling regulations, shelf-life, and food safety of NPD products. Maintain NPD documentation, specifications, and product data. Collaborate with multifunctional teams to ensure successful product launches. Analyze sales data to determine product market performance. Maintain laboratory sample library. Key Requirements: Bachelors in Food Technology or Food Science with at least 3 years product development experience. Computer literate. Good mathematical skills and competent in sales data and trend analysis. Valid drivers’ license and own vehicle essential. Additional Requirements: Able to cope in a fast paced environment. Strong project management skills. An understanding of health consumer needs and trends. Good communication and organization skills. Excellent attention to detail. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Adaptability and ability to work in a team. Energetic and enthusiastic. Ability to work under pressure.