Product Development Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development budget

Access to R&D facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative, strategic Product Development Manager in Pretoria to drive FMCG product initiatives from ideation to launch. You will partner with R&D, marketing and supply chain to deliver high-quality products aligned with business goals.

Ideal candidates have a Master’s in a technical field and at least eight years in FMCG product development, with a proven track record of successful launches and strong PM, formulation, and quality control skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant technical field.
• 8+ years of FMCG product development experience.
• Proven track record of launching consumer products.
• Strong formulation, manufacturing and quality control knowledge.
• Excellent project management, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation, research, and development for new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct market analysis and consumer trend research to identify opportunities.
• Manage product development projects to meet timelines and budgets.
• Collaborate with R&D on formulation, testing, and refinement.
• Work with marketing on positioning, messaging, and go-to-market strategies.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain for scalable production.

Skills

Product development

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Quality control

Market analysis

Education

Master's degree in Food Science / Chemistry / Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an innovative and strategic Product Development Manager to spearhead new product initiatives within their FMCG division in Pretoria. This role is critical for identifying market needs, conceptualizing new products, and managing their journey from ideation to launch. You will work closely with R&D, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure products meet consumer demands, quality standards, and business objectives. This position offers a significant opportunity to shape the future product pipeline of leading consumer brands, driving innovation and growth in a competitive market. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical acumen, market understanding, and project management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation, research, and development process for new FMCG products, from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct market analysis, consumer trend research, and competitor product reviews to identify innovation opportunities.
• Manage product development projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality specifications.
• Collaborate closely with R&D teams on product formulation, testing, and refinement.
• Work with marketing to develop product positioning, messaging, and go-to-market strategies.
• Liaise with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure seamless production and scalability of new products.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development, specifically within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new consumer products.
• Strong understanding of product formulation, manufacturing processes, and quality control standards.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively manage cross-functional teams and external partners.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility for employees in Pretoria.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous budget for professional development and further education.
• Access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities.