Product Developer : Personal Care, Toiletries & Pharmacy

Woolworths; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Woolworths is seeking a Product Developer in Cape Town to drive innovative product solutions in Personal Care and Toiletries. This role focuses on integrating customer insights and sustainability into product development, requiring a relevant degree and substantial experience in FMCG. The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams and ensure alignment with quality and market standards.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in FMCG / Toiletries, Face & Body (Personal Care).
• Minimum 1-year experience in Product Development or FMCG brand management.
• Experience working cross-functionally within a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver innovative product solutions anchored in quality and sustainability.
• Integrate market insights into product development briefs for suppliers.
• Drive and maintain sustainable product and packaging standards.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Commercial Acumen

Customer-centric Mindset

Product Expertise

Creativity

Education

Relevant Degree / Diploma

Diploma in Cosmetics

Job description

Product Developer : Personal Care, Toiletries & Pharmacy

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.

You will guide and motivate teams and key stakeholders to collaboratively deliver a customer-centric product strategy. Integrate and implement product strategy into development plans for the relevant department(s). Understand the retail competitor market & customer need states to meet and exceed expectations. Apply customer & trend insights into product development briefs for suppliers.

Drive and maintain a world-class sustainable product and packaging standard and framework. Integrate with Central Quality & Suppliers to conduct and analyse benchmarking and translate outcomes into product plans where applicable. Display a clear understanding of the science (aesthetics, sensorial elements, safety aspects) of the relevant category, while keeping abreast of new advancements.

Inspire and influence the product teams and key stakeholders to achieve industry leadership positions. Collaboratively and inclusively integrate with key stakeholders to meet product development milestones, ensuring a focus on commercial viability and sustainability. Encourage and align quality outputs to meet milestones.

Promote an environment of creativity, growth, knowledge, and empowerment. Demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to quality, setting high standards for the team. Share culinary and technical product knowledge with suppliers, matrix, and PD teams.

Drive, integrate, and own product development processes and supporting systems. Ensure alignment with Packaging Support Specialists to consider packaging throughout development. Understand how FMCG products are developed from conceptualisation to post-launch, including production processes within the supplier base.

Minimum Qualifications: Relevant Degree / Diploma / Qualification (Diploma in Cosmetics advantageous). 3-5 years' experience in FMCG / Toiletries, Face & Body (Personal Care) is advantageous. Minimum 1-year experience in 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. Demonstrate strategic intent and a holistic approach. Strong commercial acumen. Excellent collaboration and communication skills. Customer-centric mindset. Confident and passionate ambassador. Product expertise in gifting. Retail & related industry knowledge. Willingness to travel locally and internationally.

As a proud South African brand, Woolworths is committed to transformation. Meeting our employment equity goals will be considered in our recruitment decisions.

Seniority level: Associate

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Product Management, Design, and Production

Industries: Retail

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Product Developer • Cape Town, Western Cape