Project Manager - New Product Development

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Annual bonuses

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Project Manager to lead New Product Development initiatives from concept to commercial launch at our Benoni, Gauteng headquarters.

You will coordinate R&D, marketing, operations and sales to ensure successful product lifecycles, with a focus on delivering high-quality, market-ready products in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or PMP certification is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years in project management with at least 3 years in New Product Development (NPD) in consumer goods.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of NPD projects from ideation to market launch.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans with timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Lead cross-functional teams including R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Sales.
• Identify market opportunities and consumer needs to guide development.
• Ensure quality, regulatory compliance and consumer satisfaction.

Skills

NPD project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

MS Project

Monday.com

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Business/Marketing or related

Master’s degree or PMP certification

Tools

MS Project

Monday.com

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic consumer goods manufacturer, is seeking an innovative and experienced Project Manager to lead new product development (NPD) initiatives. This role is critical to bringing exciting new products to market, from concept ideation through to commercial launch. Based at our Benoni, Gauteng headquarters, you will coordinate cross-functional teams including R&D, marketing, operations, and sales to ensure successful product lifecycles. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in NPD project management, excels in a fast-paced environment, and possesses strong leadership and communication skills. Join our team in Benoni, Gauteng and be at the forefront of product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the entire lifecycle of new product development projects, from ideation and feasibility studies to market launch.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk assessments.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams (R&D, Marketing, Operations, Sales, Quality Assurance) throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify and evaluate market opportunities and consumer needs to inform product development strategies.
• Ensure products meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer expectations.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop go-to-market strategies and launch plans.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential issues, and implement effective solutions to keep projects on track.
• Manage relationships with external partners, suppliers, and vendors involved in product development.
• Conduct post-launch reviews to assess product performance and identify lessons learned for future projects.
• Present project updates and recommendations to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or relevant certification (e.g., PMP) is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, with at least 3 years specifically focused on New Product Development (NPD) within the consumer goods industry.
• Proven experience managing complex projects from concept to market launch.
• Strong understanding of product development processes, market research, and consumer insights.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Monday.com).
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and quality control standards.
• Must be willing to work full-time on-site in Benoni, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits suite including medical aid, retirement savings, and annual bonuses.
• Employees receive generous annual leave and are encouraged to pursue continuous learning through professional development programs.
• We provide a collaborative and innovative work environment at our Benoni facility.
• Opportunities for career advancement are abundant for high-performing individuals.
• Join a passionate team dedicated to creating market-leading products.