Product Development Manager

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Collaborative work environment

Opportunity to shape FMCG innovation

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth is seeking a Product Development Manager to drive new product creation in the FMCG sector from ideation to launch, collaborating with R&D, marketing, and operations to bring consumer-focused innovations to market.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in FMCG product development, with strong formulation, manufacturing, and quality assurance knowledge, paired with excellent project management and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in product development, with FMCG focus.
• Proven ability to launch new products into the market.
• Strong understanding of formulation, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance.
• Excellent project management, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development for new and improved FMCG products.
• Conduct market analysis, trend identification, and benchmarking to inform product strategy.
• Develop product briefs, specifications, and ensure alignment with consumer needs and business goals.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional team coordination.
• Oversee product testing, regulatory compliance, and successful scale-up for production.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Market analysis

Trend identification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the FMCG sector , is seeking a talented Product Development Manager to drive new product creation from their Port Elizabeth facility. This role is central to identifying market gaps, conceptualizing new products, and managing their lifecycle from ideation through to launch. You will collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, and operations teams to bring exciting new offerings to consumers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of product innovation within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods industry , coupled with excellent project management skills and a passion for consumer-centric development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for new and improved FMCG products.
• Conduct market analysis, trend identification, and competitor benchmarking to inform product strategy.
• Develop product briefs, specifications, and ensure alignment with consumer needs and business goals.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional team coordination.
• Oversee product testing, regulatory compliance, and successful scale-up for production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in product development, with a significant focus on the FMCG sector .
• Proven ability to successfully launch new products into the market.
• Strong understanding of formulation, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance.
• Excellent project management, communication, and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunity to shape product innovation for a major FMCG brand in Port Elizabeth .
• A collaborative and creative work environment.