Product Manager : Signature Brands

Famous Brands Limited; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant brand is looking for a Product Manager based in South Africa, Gauteng. The ideal candidate will oversee menu development and product innovation, ensuring the brand remains competitive and aligned with consumer expectations. Responsibilities include managing supplier relations, conducting market analysis, and developing pricing strategies. A diploma or degree in hospitality with at least 5 years of relevant experience in product development is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum Matric with a relevant tertiary qualification.
• Strong Restaurant experience, especially in product development.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in FMCG, Retail or fast-food industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage all elements of the product mix within the Brand.
• Develop and innovate the menu to match consumer demands.
• Implement and manage the new product development process.
• Handle product-related queries from franchisees.
• Ensure accountability for deal sheets and product changes.

Skills

Product innovation

Menu development

Market analysis

Supplier management

Sales strategies

Budget management

Education

Diploma / Degree in hospitality

Job description

Introduction

To effectively manage all elements of the product mix within the Brand, innovate for future growth and ensure the Brand continues to deliver against consumer expectations, and remain a world‑class competitor in the Signature Brands Restaurant category.

Duties & Responsibilities

Understand Marketing strategy and align with all new product development and trends, both locally and internationally. Develop the menu to ensure the brand remains the restaurant brand with innovative menu offerings aligned to consumer demands. Responsible and involved in Menu sign‑offs and promotional shoots. Stay abreast of national and international competitor product / innovation trends.

Conduct regular competitor visits and report back to the marketing team on product and price. Implement and manage the entire new product development (NDP) process – obtain products, product testing, price negotiations, stock level projections and forecasting, quality checks, distribution, discontinuations, risk stock, write‑offs etc. Maintain supplier relations and collaboration in developing new product ideas and driving strategic price points and profit optimization. Development of pricing strategies and accountability for the recipe integrity. Accountable for profitability.

Need to be familiar with menu analysis based on profitability and sales and creating a menu mix that will drive maximum profitability for franchise partners, whilst still adhering to consumer needs. Handle all product related queries from manufacturing partners and franchisees and ensure clear communication with the franchise network on any products / recipes or product / recipe changes. Full accountability for deal sheets, product and discontinuation briefs. Ensure a complete 18‑month pipeline of new menus and promotional line items at any given point in time for the brand. Responsible for customer complaints which are product based. Take full accountability for packaging development and driving innovation in packaging including design – relevance, competitive, environmentally friendly. Manage uniform and crockery development from concept to final rollout. Interface with Marketing, Training, Supply Chain, Planning, Forecasting, Manufacturing and Operations. Prepare presentations and present at National Franchise Council, Brand Conferences and Brand Strategy sessions.

• Regular OPS visits

Desired Experience & Qualification

Formal Education: Minimum Matric with a relevant tertiary qualification. Diploma / Degree in hospitality / chef background. Experience: Strong Restaurant experience is required. Strong track record of successfully developing and launching new products. Minimum of 5 years' experience in product development side of the FMCG, Retail or the fast‑food industry. Must have experience presenting and selling your own concepts and new product ideas. Preferably previous franchising experience.