Product Development Assistant

Smd Technologies; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

SMD Technologies is seeking a proactive Product Development Assistant in South Africa to support the Product Development team through the lifecycle from concept to launch. You will assist with research, sourcing, testing, documentation, and project coordination while collaborating with Sales, Marketing, Compliance, Operations and Procurement to ensure successful product launches and execution.

A relevant qualification and 1–3 years’ experience in product development or related roles are

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Product Development, Business, Marketing, Consumer Science, Design, or a related field.
• 1–3 years' experience in product development, product coordination, category administration, buying, sourcing or a related role would be advantageous.
• Experience within consumer electronics, FMCG, retail or wholesale environment would be advantageous.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Exposure to Power BI or other data analysis tools would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Good attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel when required.

Responsibilities

• Product Development Support: Assist with the development and enhancement of new and existing products, from initial concepts through to final product.
• Market Research: Conduct research on market trends, competitors, customer needs and new product opportunities.
• Product Sourcing: Assist with sourcing products, suppliers, samples and product information in line with business requirements.
• Product Testing: Coordinate and assist with product testing, samples and quality checks to ensure products meet required standards.
• Product Documentation: Maintain accurate product specifications, product information, user manuals, packaging information and other relevant documentation.
• Project Coordination: Assist with tracking product development timelines, milestones, samples and approvals to ensure projects remain on schedule.
• Category Support: Assist with the day-to-day management and administration of product categories, including monitoring product availability, launches and product performance.
• Sales & Data Analysis: Assist with analysing sales data and preparing reports using tools such as Power BI to identify trends and opportunities.
• Customer & Market Feedback: Gather and consolidate customer, sales and market feedback to support product improvements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Compliance, Operations, Procurement and other relevant departments to ensure successful product launches and execution.
• Product Information: Ensure product information is accurate, up to date and communicated to the relevant departments.
• Reporting: Assist in preparing regular product and sales reports and presentations for management.
• General Administration: Provide administrative and coordination support to the Product Development team as required.

Skills

Product development

Market research

Sourcing

Data analysis

Education

Relevant qualification in Product Development, Business, Marketing, Consumer Science, Design, or a related field

Tools

Power BI

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Title: Product Development Assistant

About the Company

SMD Technologies is a leading global product and brand developer, renowned for our innovative solutions and wide range of high-quality products. Our brands, including Volkano, Amplify, Bounce, Rocka, Eiger, Connex Connect, Switched, Kingsons, and many more, span multiple categories, delivering innovative technology and exceptional value to our customers.

We are committed to excellence and are looking for a motivated and organised Product Development Assistant to join our dynamic team and support the development and growth of our product portfolio.

Job Purpose

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Product Development Assistant to support the Product Development team throughout the product development lifecycle. The successful candidate will assist with research, product sourcing, product testing, documentation, project coordination and product administration.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong interest in consumer products, trends and product development who enjoys working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Development Support: Assist with the development and enhancement of new and existing products, from initial concepts through to final product.
• Market Research: Conduct research on market trends, competitors, customer needs and new product opportunities.
• Product Sourcing: Assist with sourcing products, suppliers, samples and product information in line with business requirements.
• Product Testing: Coordinate and assist with product testing, samples and quality checks to ensure products meet required standards.
• Product Documentation: Maintain accurate product specifications, product information, user manuals, packaging information and other relevant documentation.
• Project Coordination: Assist with tracking product development timelines, milestones, samples and approvals to ensure projects remain on schedule.
• Category Support: Assist with the day-to-day management and administration of product categories, including monitoring product availability, launches and product performance.
• Sales & Data Analysis: Assist with analysing sales data and preparing reports using tools such as Power BI to identify trends and opportunities.
• Customer & Market Feedback: Gather and consolidate customer, sales and market feedback to support product improvements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Compliance, Operations, Procurement and other relevant departments to ensure successful product launches and execution.
• Product Information: Ensure product information is accurate, up to date and communicated to the relevant departments.
• Reporting: Assist in preparing regular product and sales reports and presentations for management.
• General Administration: Provide administrative and coordination support to the Product Development team as required.

Requirements:

• Relevant qualification in Product Development, Business, Marketing, Consumer Science, Design, or a related field.
• 1–3 years' experience in product development, product coordination, category administration, buying, sourcing or a related role would be advantageous.
• Experience within the consumer electronics, FMCG, retail or wholesale environment would be advantageous.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Exposure to Power BI or other data analysis tools would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Good attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple departments and stakeholders.
• A strong interest in consumer products, market trends and innovation.
• Ability to travel when required.

SMD Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles of employment equity. In accordance with the Company's Employment Equity Plan and the requirements of the Employment Equity Act, preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups. Applications from persons with disabilities are encouraged.