Product Manager - Food ingredients -Bakery Manufacturing

Prostaff Holdings; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Product Manager to oversee international suppliers in the bakery manufacturing sector. This role is pivotal in defining product strategy and managing key accounts, with a focus on expanding the portfolio of food and beverage ingredients across Southern Africa. The successful candidate will collaborate with various teams to ensure successful product launches while optimizing supply chains and maintaining product quality standards. If you have a passion for food science and a knack for negotiation, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in a thriving market.

Qualifications

• Experience in product management within the bakery or food ingredient industry.
• Proven track record in managing complex customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with international suppliers and negotiate contracts.
• Identify new market opportunities and optimize stock levels.

Skills

Product Management

Supplier Relationship Management

Negotiation Skills

Market Analysis

Sales Forecasting

Education

BSc in Food Science

National Diploma in Food Science

Tools

Syspro

SAP

Job description

Job Description: Product Manager

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing international suppliers to supply food ingredient products within the bakery manufacturing industry. This role involves defining product strategy, managing key accounts, and working closely with sales teams during customer visits. The focus is on strategically growing the portfolio of food and beverage ingredients in the Southern African markets, increasing volume, revenue, and margins year over year.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Managing relationships with suppliers and negotiating volumes, prices, and contracts to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of raw materials.
2. Identifying new market and product opportunities, and sourcing new or alternative suppliers.
3. Handling multi-level relationships and price negotiations with customers, including sales contract negotiations.
4. Preparing sales budgets, forecasts, and reports, and conducting quarterly business reviews.
5. Collaborating with sales, marketing, R&D, and operations teams to ensure successful product launches and alignment with business objectives.
6. Optimizing stock levels, managing slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
7. Ensuring product quality standards and compliance with industry regulations.

Qualifications and experience required include:

1. A BSc or national diploma in food science or a related qualification.
2. Previous product management experience in the bakery industry or related food ingredient raw material industry.
3. Experience managing international principals is essential; experience in personal care, pharma, or related markets is also considered.
4. Proficiency in Syspro or SAP is advantageous.
5. A proven track record in managing complex customer relationships and key accounts.

The salary package, including benefits, is highly negotiable based on experience.