Product Development Manager - FMCG Innovations

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybride; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Highly competitive salary

Performance-based bonus structure

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan and life保险

Leadership development & professional

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Product Development Manager for a prestigious FMCG company in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will lead new product initiatives and manage the full development lifecycle from ideation to commercialization.

You will collaborate with R&D, marketing and operations to identify market opportunities, develop prototypes, and drive successful product launches that meet consumer needs and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field is required or equivalent.
• PhD is advantageous for advanced research roles.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive product development experience in FMCG.
• Proven track record of launching successful products.
• Strong understanding of food science, formulation, manufacturing, and regulation.
• Excellent project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Deep insight into consumer behaviour and market trends in FMCG.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with stage-gate processes and stage-gate management.
• Passion for innovation and a creative approach to problem-solving.

Responsabilités

• Lead ideation, concept development, and strategic planning for new FMCG launches.
• Conduct market research, consumer trend analysis, and competitive assessments.
• Oversee product development from concept to pilot, regulatory checks, and production.
• Collaborate with R&D to develop prototypes meeting quality and safety standards.
• Work with marketing to create compelling product positioning and go-to-market plans.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources for timely launches.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain for scale-up and readiness.
• Analyze post-launch performance and recommend improvements or extensions.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies, ingredients, and consumer preferences.
• Present proposals and progress reports to senior management.

Connaissances

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Formation

Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field

PhD an advantage

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious company within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an innovative and experienced Product Development Manager to lead their new product innovation initiatives. This exciting role, based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, will be instrumental in identifying market opportunities, conceptualizing new products, and managing the entire product development lifecycle from ideation to commercialization. You will work closely with R&D, marketing, and operations teams to ensure the successful launch of groundbreaking products that meet consumer needs and drive market growth. The Stellenbosch, Western Cape location offers a vibrant environment for creative and strategic thinkers. This is a leadership position for someone passionate about bringing novel FMCG products to life and shaping the future of the category.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation, concept development, and strategic planning for new FMCG product launches.
• Conduct thorough market research, consumer trend analysis, and competitive landscape assessments to identify new product opportunities.
• Oversee the entire product development process, from initial concept and formulation to pilot testing, regulatory compliance, and full-scale production.
• Collaborate closely with R&D teams to develop product prototypes, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and performance standards.
• Work with marketing teams to develop compelling product positioning, branding, and go-to-market strategies.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure timely and successful product launches.
• Liaise with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure smooth scale-up and production readiness.
• Analyze product performance post-launch and recommend improvements or line extensions.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies, ingredients, and consumer preferences relevant to the FMCG market.
• Present new product proposals and progress reports to senior management and key stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. A PhD is an advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in product development, innovation management, or related roles within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new products that have achieved commercial success.
• Strong understanding of food science, formulation, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent project management skills with experience in managing cross-functional teams.
• Deep insight into consumer behaviour and market trends within the FMCG sector.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with stage-gate processes and stage-gate management.
• Passion for innovation and a creative approach to problem-solving.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan and life insurance.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge R&D and marketing teams in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
• Be at the forefront of FMCG innovation and product creation.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.