New Product Developer

Libstar; Mpumalanga; Sur place; ZAR 300 000 - 480 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Libstar is seeking a New Product Developer for the Ambassador Foods team in Mpumalanga. You will drive innovative product development, conduct market research, and work closely with procurement, production, QA, sales and marketing to bring concepts to launch.

Ideal candidates have a BSc or BSc Hons in Consumer Science with at least 1 year in food product development, plus ERP/Excel experience. EE preference applies, with a 4 November 2026 deadline.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with a BSc or BSc Hons (Consumer Science).
• At least 1 year experience in product development in the food industry.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. MS Navision, SAP) is advantageous.
• MS Excel and QlikView experience is advantageous.
• Knowledge of product development processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.

Responsabilités

• Develop innovative new products aligned with strategic objectives.
• Conduct market, consumer and industry research to identify trends and opportunities.
• Formulate products meeting quality standards while achieving cost targets.
• Manage development activities per calendar and timelines.
• Coordinate projects from concept to commercialization and launch.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Production, QA, Sales and Marketing to support development.
• Maintain proactive communication with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Ensure documentation and development records are maintained according to requirements.
• Support continuous improvement in quality, processes and innovation.
• Ensure new products comply with food safety, quality, regulatory and customer requirements.

Connaissances

Interpersonal skills

Professional communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Formation

BSc or BSc Hons (Consumer Science)

Outils

MS Navision

SAP

MS Excel

QlikView

Description du poste

About the Libstar Select Products Cluster

The Libstar Select Products Cluster is part of the Libstar Ambient Products Category, with business sites located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Vredenburg and Nelspruit. We operate within a dynamic, forward-thinking organization dedicated to driving innovation, fostering growth, and creating a supportive, inclusive work environment. As part of the broader Libstar team, our goal is to grow our food brands and category solutions in a sustainable and profitable manner. We prioritize building strong relationships with our customers and aim to be South Africa’s leading producer and distributor of high-quality products and brands.

About the Position

Ambassador Foods requires energetic, innovative, and experienced New Product Developer to join their existing teams.

Key Job Functions

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Develop innovative new products that align with the company's strategic objectives and enhance the Ambassador Foods product portfolio.
• Conduct market, consumer, and industry research to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and product innovation initiatives.
• Formulate and develop products that meet quality standards while achieving targeted cost and profitability requirements.
• Manage product development activities in accordance with the approved development calendar, ensuring projects are delivered within established timelines.
• Coordinate and oversee product development projects from concept through to commercialization and product launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Procurement, Production, Quality Assurance, Sales, and Marketing, to support successful product development and implementation.
• Maintain proactive and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and customers, throughout the development process.
• Ensure all product specifications, documentation, and development records are completed accurately and maintained in line with company requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance product quality, processes, and innovation practices.
• Ensure new products comply with applicable food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.

Knowledge & Experience

• Grade 12 with a BSc or BSc Hons (Consumer Science)
• At least one year experience in product development in the food industry
• Previous experience working on an ERP system (e.g. MS Navision, SAP, etc) will be an advantage
• Ms Excel skills and experience working with Qlikview will be an advantage
• Knowledge of product development processes
• Good interpersonal skills, assertiveness and professional communication skills is critical
• Self-motivated, committed, resilient, and the ability to persevere until solutions are found
• Strong sense of responsibility, detail conscious and organized
• Numerical skills, strong analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills

Leadership Profile

• Innovation and creativity
• Results-oriented
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Effective communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Accountability and ownership
• Customer-focused mindset
• Adaptability and continuous learning
• Commercial and cost awareness

Application deadline: 4 November 2026

If you have not received a response within two weeks of the closing date for applications, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Note

Please note that you may on occasion be required to perform tasks that are not part of your normal daily duties but may be necessary due to the operational requirements of the Company.

Preference will be given to EE candidates in line with the Company’s employment equity plan and BBBEE strategy.

To give effect to the above, we are required to provide you with information regarding the processing of your personal information. The Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA), provides that when one processes another’s personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination and use of that person’s personal information must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.

To give effect to the above, we are required to provide you with information regarding the processing of your personal information. This information is recorded under the HR Processing Notice, which can be accessed and viewed on the Company website at https://www.libstar.co.za/legal/.