Senior New Product Developer

HR Management & Support Services; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

HR Management & Support Services is seeking a Senior New Product Developer for a Gouda-based role in the Western Cape. You will lead the creation, development and commercialisation of new food products from concept to market, ensuring compliance, quality and timely delivery in a high-volume FMCG environment.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in NPD, a degree in Food Science or Chemistry, and strong project management, analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in Food Science or Chemistry or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in New Product Development in FMCG manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of FMCG production processes and quality standards.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP and ISO food-safety systems.
• Experience with product trials, formulation and factory implementation processes.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication abilities.
• Computer literacy in MS Office and product development systems.
• Willingness to relocate to Gouda, Western Cape.
• Experience in food & beverage FMCG and retailer requirements advantageous.

Responsibilities

• New product development and innovation.
• Technical documentation and raw materials management.
• Compliance, quality and food safety oversight.
• Cross-functional collaboration and market insight gathering.
• Project and timeline management from concept to launch.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

MS Office

Product development knowledge

Education

Degree in Food Science or Chemistry

Tools

Product development systems

Job description

Our client, based in Gouda, Western Cape, is a dynamic manufacturing and innovation company specialising in innovative fruit-based products for local and international markets. With a strong focus on innovation and new product development, the Group is looking for a Senior New Product Developer to lead the creation, development and commercialisation of exciting new food products from concept to market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• New product development and innovation.

• Technical documentation and raw materials.

• Compliance, quality and Food Safety.

• Cross-functional collaboration and market insight.

• Project and timeline management.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Number and value of successful new product launches against annual plan.

• Speed-to-market (concept-to-shelf cycle time) on assigned projects.

• Product trial success rate and first-time-right handover to Production.

• New product margin performance against concept-stage costing.

• Compliance pass rate on new product specifications, labelling, and food safety requirements.

• Quality and completeness of product specifications and technical documentation for new products.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Minimum 8+ years’ experience in New Product Development within the FMCG manufacturing industry.

• Strong understanding of FMCG production processes and quality standards.

• Knowledge of food safety systems such as HACCP, GMP, and ISO standards.

• Experience with product trials, formulation, and factory implementation processes.

• Excellent project management and organisational skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.

• Computer literacy in MS Office and product development systems.

• Must be willing to relocate.

• Experience in food and beverage FMCG products, knowledge of retailer requirements and product compliance standards and rements and experience working in high-volume manufacturing environments will be adventageous.

CLOSING DATE: 20 OCTOBER 2026