PRODUCT DEVELOPER: BISCUITS

Woolworths; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Product Developer to join their team in Cape Town. This role involves executing a customer-centric product strategy by developing innovative food products that emphasize sustainability and quality. You'll lead teams, engage with stakeholders, and ensure that product development processes are efficient and effective. If you have a passion for food and a strong background in product development, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in the food industry or relevant field.
• At least 1 year experience in Food product development or FMCG brand management.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative, commercially viable products emphasizing quality and sustainability.
• Collaborate with teams to achieve product development milestones.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Collaboration skills

Communication skills

Customer-centric mindset

Product expertise in baking

Knowledge of retail

Willingness to travel

Education

Relevant Degree/Diploma in Food and Consumer Science

Chef qualification

Food Technology/Science

Job description

Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Are you creative, detail-oriented, and committed to high standards of quality? This is a great opportunity for a Product Developer in a world-class food retailer. You will execute our customer-centric product strategy by developing innovative, commercially viable products that emphasize quality and sustainability, influencing the way our nation eats. You will lead and motivate teams and stakeholders to collaboratively deliver on this strategy.

• Integrate and implement product strategy into development plans for relevant departments.
• Understand the retail competitor market and customer needs to meet and exceed expectations.
• Apply customer insights and trends to product development briefs for suppliers.

Driving sustainability and quality

• Maintain a world-class sustainable product and packaging standard:
• Collaborate with Quality & Suppliers to benchmark and translate insights into product plans.
• Understand the science behind baking, raw materials, aesthetics, sensorial elements, and safety, while implementing new advancements.

Leadership and stakeholder engagement

• Inspire and influence product teams and stakeholders:
• Work collaboratively to achieve product development milestones, considering commercial and sustainability factors.
• Encourage quality outputs and timely milestone achievement.

Culture of creativity and growth

• Promote an environment of creativity, knowledge sharing, and empowerment:
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Share culinary and technical knowledge with suppliers and teams.

Product development processes

• Own and drive product development processes and systems:
• Ensure packaging considerations are integrated throughout development.
• Understand the full lifecycle of product development from conceptualization to post-launch, including production processes.

Qualifications and experience

• Relevant Degree/Diploma in Food and Consumer Science, Chef, or Food Technology/Science.
• 3-5 years' experience in the food industry or relevant field.
• At least 1 year experience in Food product development, Retail, FMCG brand management, or hospitality.
• Experience working cross-functionally or within a matrix organization.
• Courses and experience in brand management, product ranging, and development.

Skills and attributes

• Strategic thinking and holistic approach.
• Commercial acumen.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Customer-centric mindset.
• Confident and passionate ambassador.
• Product expertise in baking.
• Knowledge of retail and related industries.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally.