Product Developer

Career27; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

Career27 is seeking a Product Developer in Kenilworth, Cape Town, to drive innovative product development for Pick n Pay’s branded range and enhance category innovation. The role requires a relevant degree, 4–7 years in product development, and protein expertise, with strong analytical and regulatory skills.

You will collaborate with internal teams and suppliers, manage multiple projects, and ensure successful regional and national launches while focusing on cost efficiency and packaging

Qualifications

• Relevant Degree/Diploma in Consumer Science/Food Science/Product Development.
• 4–7 years product development experience.
• Experience in protein category product development is essential.
• Valid driver’s license and own transport.
• Computer literacy: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret sensory data and nutritional information.
• Experience with regulatory guidelines for food products and labeling.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Innovation Agenda for the product area by identifying suitable products for new and improved offers.
• Assist in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams including internal and external stakeholders — pre-trial meetings and supplier briefs.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and optimize recipes for cost efficiency and scalability.
• Document development processes and findings, preparing reports for stakeholders.
• Develop and launch new products in accordance with processes and criteria; formulate and test prototypes for texture, flavor, and nutrition.
• Follow defined product development process including sign-offs and commercial alignment.
• Ensure successful launches regionally and nationally within launch periods.
• Enable factory trials and production at suppliers with Food Technologists.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and sustainability targets; monitor packaging compliance.

Skills

Product development

Data interpretation

Regulatory labeling

Nutrition analysis

Costing & margins

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant Degree/Diploma in Consumer Science/Food Science/Product Development

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

## Product DeveloperApplylocations: Kenilworth - Cape Towntime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: June 10, 2026 (5 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR105618It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!To drive the development of new and innovative products for Pick n Pay branded offering as well as improve the innovation in the category that will drive the sales, increase market share thus positioning the company as the leader in the industry**Minimum Requirements**Relevant Degree/Diploma in Consumer Science/Food Science/Product Development. 4 – 7 years product development experience. Experience in product development in the protein category is essential. Valid driver’s license & Own Transport Computer literacy – Excel, word, PowerPoint. Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret sensory data and nutritional information. Experience with regulatory guidelines for food products and labeling. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively. Excellent communication and presentation skills.**Competencies**Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in creating and adapting recipes based on dietary needs and trends Experience in training staff on new recipes and costing strategies. In-depth knowledge of food costing, pricing strategies, and maintaining food margins. Ability to calculate and adjust recipe costs for profitability without compromising quality. A passion for staying updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques**Key Responsibilities**Develop and effectively implement the Innovation Agenda for the product area by identifying suitable products for new and improved offers to ensure outstanding product deliverablesAssist in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams including relevant internal and selected external stakeholders – pre-trial meetings and supplier briefs.Troubleshoot formulation challenges and optimize recipes for cost efficiency and scalability.Document development processes and findings, preparing reports for internal and external stakeholders.Develop and launch new products in accordance with the company processes and development criteria. Formulate and test prototypes for texture, flavor, nutritional content and ensure they meet health and regulatory standards.Defined product development process is followed, including products sign offs and Commerical alignmentEnsure the successful launch of all new products, both regionally and nationally within the stipulated launch periods.Enable factory trials / first packing, production at the suppliers with Food TechnologistsKeep abreast of competitor activities, topical issues, current events, food industry, trends and technologyEnsure packaging process is followed, and awareness of sustainability targetsMake recommendations for new attractive on shelf and improved packaging specification to ensure reduction of costs and improved functionality and customers acceptanceMonitor the performance of new and improved products to take the appropriate action for non-performers and evaluate the contribution to improved customer satisfaction as well as the increased profitability of the range Monitor sales and profitability of productsDevelop and maintain relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliersWork with suppliers according to company values.Develops and implements contingency plans to close development gapsAnalyse work errors, successes and failures in order to sets learning strategies to rectify and increase knowledge; recognise gaps in own skill set, seeks and takes advantage of learning opportunities by applying new learnt skills on the job to enhance effectiveness**Closing Date: 9 June 2026**