Product Manager : Signature Brands At Famous Brands

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

Job summary

A leading restaurant brand company in Gauteng is seeking a Product Manager to innovate and manage the product mix within Signature Brands. Responsibilities include menu development, competitor analysis, and managing supplier relations. The ideal candidate has strong restaurant experience and a background in product development. A relevant tertiary qualification and a minimum of 5 years' experience are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum Matric with a relevant tertiary qualification.
• Strong track record of successfully developing and launching new products.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in product development within FMCG, Retail, or fast-food industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage all elements of the product mix within the Brand.
• Develop innovative menu offerings aligned to consumer demands.
• Conduct competitor visits and report on product and price.

Skills

Strong Restaurant experience

Product development

New product launches

Menu analysis

Supplier relations

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Diploma/Degree in hospitality/chef background

Job description

Product Manager : Signature Brands at Famous Brands

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 brands 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.