Product Development Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Growth opportunities

Stimulating work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Product Development Manager for Kimberley, Northern Cape. In this on-site role you will lead the end-to-end product development lifecycle in the FMCG sector, from ideation and market research through formulation, testing, regulatory compliance and launch.

You’ll work with R&D, marketing, sales and operations to deliver consumer‑focused products aligned with brand strategy and commercial goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in product development, R&D, or product management within the FMCG industry.
• Strong understanding of product development methodologies, formulation, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development for new FMCG products from concept to market launch.
• Conduct market research, consumer insights, and trend analysis to inform product innovation.
• Collaborate with R&D to develop formulations, specifications, and prototypes.
• Oversee product testing, sensory evaluations, and quality assurance.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Food Science or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is actively seeking an innovative and experienced Product Development Manager to spearhead new product initiatives in **Kimberley, Northern Cape**. This crucial role involves managing the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and market research through to formulation, testing, regulatory compliance, and successful launch. You will collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure new products meet consumer needs, align with brand strategy, and achieve commercial success within the competitive **Kimberley** FMCG market. This is an on-site position, offering hands‑on involvement in bringing exciting new products to market. If you have a passion for innovation, a strong understanding of product development processes in FMCG, and a commitment to quality, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the end-to-end product development process for new FMCG products, from concept generation to market launch.
• Conduct thorough market research, consumer insights analysis, and trend identification to inform product innovation.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to develop product formulations, specifications, and prototypes.
• Oversee product testing, sensory evaluations, and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, regulatory, and labeling standards.
• Work closely with marketing teams to develop product positioning, messaging, and launch plans.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure timely product delivery.
• Liaise with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure smooth scale‑up and commercial production.
• Analyze product performance post-launch and gather feedback for future product improvements.
• Stay abreast of industry innovations, emerging technologies, and competitive product developments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in product development, R&D, or product management within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching new FMCG products.
• Strong understanding of product development methodologies, formulation, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control standards.
• Creative thinking and a passion for innovation in consumer products.
• Familiarity with the **Northern Cape** market dynamics is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in product innovation.
• A stimulating work environment focused on creating cutting‑edge consumer products.
• Direct involvement in shaping the future product portfolio of a leading FMCG company.