Product Development Manager

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Fully remote work arrangement

Health, dental, vision insurance

Professional development allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Product Development Manager to lead FMCG product innovation in a remote-first environment. You will own the full lifecycle from ideation to market launch, working with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations to deliver products that meet market needs and drive growth.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's in a related field (Master's preferred), 8+ years in FMCG product development, and a proven track record of launching successful products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Marketing or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development, preferably FMCG.
• Proven track record of launching new products in competitive markets.
• Strong understanding of consumer needs and market trends.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a remote work setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation, development, and commercialization of new FMCG products from concept to launch.
• Conduct market research, consumer insights analysis, and competitive landscape assessments.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations to ensure successful product development and execution.
• Define product specifications, testing protocols, and quality standards.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for timely delivery.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Marketing, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Product Development Manager to lead product innovation within their FMCG division, operating remotely. This strategic role is responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and launching new products that meet market demands and drive business growth. You will manage the entire product lifecycle from ideation to market introduction, working closely with cross-functional teams. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of our client's product portfolio in a dynamic, remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation, development, and commercialization of new FMCG products from concept to launch.
• Conduct thorough market research, consumer insights analysis, and competitive landscape assessments to identify product opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure successful product development and execution.
• Define product specifications, testing protocols, and quality standards.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure timely delivery of new products.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements impacting product development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Marketing, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new products in competitive markets.
• Strong understanding of consumer needs, market trends, and product innovation processes.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a remote work setting, managing complex projects independently.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Flexible working hours and a fully remote work arrangement.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous allocation for professional development and training.
• Opportunity to lead innovation for a leading FMCG brand.