Product Manager

Sally-Ann Creed; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health and nutrition firm in South Africa is looking for a Product Manager for Procurement and NPD. Responsibilities include managing stock levels, coordinating product launches, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Food Science, 1-2 years of experience in the food or nutraceutical industry, and strong project management skills. This full-time on-site role offers a supportive work environment and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Supportive work environment

Staff discounts on health products

Opportunities for professional growth

15 days leave per annum

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in New Product Development or Food Safety.
• Detail-oriented with strong focus on product quality and compliance.
• Must be based in Cape Town (Southern Suburbs) and work on-site full-time.

Responsibilities

• Maintain stock levels and manage suppliers for nutraceutical products.
• Coordinate new product development processes and launch.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation and standards.

Skills

Food safety management systems

Project management

Analytical and problem-solving

Effective communication

Microsoft Office applications

Supplier negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Matric certificate

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Product Management (Procurement)

• Maintain adequate stock levels for the nutraceutical range based on projected sales volumes.
• Manage stock levels for the skincare range in line with expected demand.
• Monitor health and nutrition trends relevant to our product portfolio.
• Maintain strong communication with suppliers to ensure uninterrupted supply.
• Coordinate the launch of new products.
• Supervise stock quantities and availability of product labels.
• Oversee product costings and update monthly, analyse competitor activity.
• Develop comprehensive technical product knowledge to support customer inquiries.
• Collaborate across departments—marketing, social media, warehouse, and retail—in a small team environment.
• In conjunction with Marketing, plan for the correct promotion of products over the year.

New Product Development (NPD)

• Collaborate closely with the in-house dietitian throughout the development process, assisting with competitor research and other tasks.
• Manage communication and processes with pharmaceutical/FMCG companies and manufacturers from development through to warehouse delivery.
• Oversee product costings, including raw materials and finished goods.
• Coordinate label and packaging development by working with Marketing on design and compliance, briefing printers, and managing orders.
• Engage with suppliers about new product innovations and health trends.
• Lead the entire NPD process and team from initiation to completion.
• In conjunction with Marketing, ensure new products are continuously promoted during the agreed launch period.

Food Safety

• Ensure all labelling complies with SAHPRA and relevant legislation.
• Maintain the present GFSI system and enforce food safety protocols and standards including HACCP, GMP, VACCP, and TACCP.
• Assess implementation effectiveness of food safety systems.
• Oversee annual GFSI audit preparation and compliance.
• Verify all nutraceutical formulations comply with SAHPRA regulations.

Requirements

• Matric certificate (high school diploma or equivalent) is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dietetics, Nutrition, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 1 to 2 years’ hands‑on experience in New Product Development (NPD), Food Safety, or a related area within the food or nutraceutical industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety management systems such as HACCP, GMP, VACCP, and TACCP.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements, including SAHPRA and local labeling regulations.
• Proven experience working with suppliers, manufacturers, and cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working collaboratively across various departments.
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on product quality and compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing market trends and business needs.
• Prior experience in packaging evaluation, cost management, and supplier negotiation is desirable.
• A proactive and self‑motivated approach with strong organizational skills
• Must be based in Cape Town (Southern Suburbs) and able to work on‑site full‑time
• Valid driver’s license and own transport.

What We Offer

• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Staff discounts on premium health products
• Opportunities for technical and professional growth
• A market related salary dependent upon experience
• 15 Days leave per annum