New Product Development Lead – Cheese, Bakery & Dips

Nurture Brands; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mezé Foods seeks an innovative and commercially minded New Product Development Lead to oversee the development, optimisation and commercialisation of new and existing products across Cheese, Bakery and Kitchen divisions.

The role collaborates with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Sales and Marketing to ensure products are innovative, commercially viable and aligned with Mezé Foods brands and customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative products across the Cheese, Bakery and Kitchen product ranges.
• Drive the complete New Product Development (NPD) process from concept to commercialisation.
• Improve existing products to enhance quality, consistency, yield, shelf life and profitability.
• Conduct ingredient research and evaluate new raw materials and packaging solutions.
• Formulate recipes and manufacturing processes suitable for commercial production.
• Ensure all products meet customer specifications and market requirements.
• Plan and coordinate laboratory and factory production trials.
• Analyse trial results and implement product improvements.
• Validate manufacturing processes prior to commercial production.
• Support production during product launches.
• Monitor first production runs to ensure consistency and quality.
• Monitor local and international food trends.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation.
• Develop products aligned with current consumer preferences and retailer requirements.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, and relevant South African food legislation.
• Work closely with Quality Department to ensure all products meet food safety standards.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, manufacturing instructions, product costing information, technical documentation, and product development reports.
• Liaise with ingredient and packaging suppliers regarding new technologies and product solutions.

Job description

Mezé Foods seeks an innovative and commercially minded New Product Development Lead to oversee the development, optimisation and commercialisation of new and existing products across Cheese, Bakery and Kitchen divisions.

The role collaborates with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Sales and Marketing to ensure products are innovative, commercially viable and aligned with Mezé Foods brands and customer expectations.