PRODUCT DEVELOPER: CAKES & DESSERTS (12 MONTHS CONTRACT)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a creative Product Developer to lead innovative cake and dessert solutions. This role emphasizes quality and sustainability, guiding teams to deliver customer-centric products. With a focus on collaboration and market trends, you will play a crucial part in shaping the future of food retail. If you have a passion for culinary excellence and a strategic mindset, this opportunity is your next step towards making a significant impact in the food industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in the food industry or relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in food product development.

Responsibilities

• Integrate product strategy into development plans based on market insights.
• Drive sustainable product and packaging standards with suppliers.

Skills

Food and Consumer Science

Product Development

Brand Management

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Customer-Centric Mindset

Education

Relevant Degree/Diploma in Food Science

Chef Qualification

Job description

PRODUCT DEVELOPER: CAKES & DESSERTS (12 MONTHS CONTRACT)

Listing reference: woolw_001183

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 19 May 2025

Position summary

Industry: FMCG & Supply Management

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

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Temporary

EE position: No

Introduction

A creative individual with high standards of quality and attention to detail… does this describe you? This great opportunity could be your next step. As a Product Developer in a world-class food retailer, you will execute our customer-centric product strategy. Your key focus will be to develop and deliver innovative, commercially viable product solutions that are anchored in quality and sustainability, influencing the way our nation eats. You will guide and motivate teams and key stakeholders to collaboratively deliver a customer-centric product strategy.

Responsibilities

1. Integrate and implement product strategy into development plans: Understand the retail competitor market & customer need states to meet and exceed expectations. Apply customer & trend insights into product development briefs for suppliers.
2. Drive and maintain sustainable product and packaging standards: Integrate with Central Quality & Suppliers to conduct benchmarking and translate outcomes into product plans. Demonstrate understanding of the science of the relevant category, keeping abreast of advancements.
3. Inspire and influence product teams and stakeholders: Collaboratively achieve product development milestones, ensuring a focus on commercial success and sustainability. Encourage quality outputs and align team efforts.
4. Foster an environment of creativity and growth: Demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to quality. Share culinary and technical knowledge with suppliers and teams.
5. Drive and own product development processes: Ensure alignment with packaging considerations and understand the full development lifecycle from conceptualization to post-launch.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant Degree/Diploma/Qualification in Food and Consumer Science, Chef, or Food Technology/Science.
• 5 years' experience in the food industry or relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in Food product development, Retail, FMCG brand management, or hospitality.
• Experience working cross-functionally or within a matrix organization.
• Courses & experience in brand management, product ranging, and development.
• Strategic and holistic approach.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Customer-centric mindset.
• Confident and passionate ambassador.
• Product expertise in Chilled & Ambient Cakes & Desserts.
• Innovation-focused with awareness of evolving market trends.