Product Development Manager - FMCG Food Products

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Professional development

Hybrid role

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Product Development Manager for its FMCG client in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on creating and launching new and improved food products, backed by strong food science, innovation, and project management expertise.

The ideal candidate will drive concept development, formulation, testing, and commercialization, while coordinating with marketing, QA, and regulatory teams to ensure compliant, cost-effective launches.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in product development within the FMCG food industry.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new food products from concept to market.
• Strong understanding of food formulation, processing, and manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of relevant food safety standards, regulations, and labeling requirements.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using product development software and tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.

Aufgaben

• Lead end-to-end product development from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct market research, trend analysis, and benchmarking to identify opportunities.
• Develop innovative formulations ensuring quality, cost, and regulatory alignment.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and scale-up with manufacturing teams.
• Manage product testing, sensory evaluation, and consumer panels.

Kenntnisse

Project management

Food formulation

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory understanding

Ausbildung

Bachelor's/Master's in Food Science/Technology/Chemistry

Tools

Product development software

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a renowned name in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) food industry, is looking for an innovative and experienced Product Development Manager to join their team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role is pivotal in driving the creation and launch of new and improved food products that meet consumer demands and market trends. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in food science, product innovation, and project management within the FMCG sector. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of our client's product portfolio and contribute to their continued success in the competitive food market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process, from concept generation and ideation to formulation, testing, and commercialization.
• Conduct market research, consumer trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify new product opportunities.
• Develop innovative and commercially viable product formulations, ensuring alignment with quality, cost, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and scale-up processes, working closely with manufacturing and operations teams.
• Manage product testing, including sensory evaluation and consumer panels, to gather feedback and refine products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs, throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Prepare detailed product specifications, ingredient lists, and nutritional information.
• Stay abreast of new ingredients, technologies, and processing techniques relevant to food product development.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure timely product launches.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in product development within the FMCG food industry.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new food products from concept to market.
• Strong understanding of food formulation, processing, and manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of relevant food safety standards, regulations, and labeling requirements.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using product development software and tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Experience working in the Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape region is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance incentives and opportunities for professional development.
• This hybrid role provides a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Employees will have the chance to work with a passionate team dedicated to innovation in the FMCG food sector.
• The opportunity to influence product strategy and development for a leading brand in Port Elizabeth offers significant career satisfaction and growth potential.