Job Description

Position summary
Industry: FMCG & Supply Management
Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
Location: Western Cape
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
As a Product Developer in a world-class food retailer, you will execute our customer-centric product strategy. Your key focus will be to develop and deliver innovative commercially viable product solutions that are anchored in quality and sustainability that will influence the way our nation eats. You will guide and motivate teams and key stakeholders, to collaboratively deliver a customer-centric product strategy.
Job description
Integrate and implement product strategy into development plans for the relevant department(s):
- Understand the retail competitor market & customer need states to meet and exceed expectations.
- Apply customer & trends insights into product development briefs for suppliers.
Drive and maintain a world-class sustainable product and packaging standard and framework:
- Integrate with Central Quality & Suppliers to conduct and analyse comparative and directional benchmarking and translate outcomes into product plans where applicable.
- Display a clear understanding of the science (cooking, cooking processes, growing programs, aesthetics, sensorial elements, safety aspects) of the relevant category, while keeping abreast and implementing new advancements where relevant.
- Develop and upskill your product sensory acuity.
Inspire and influence the product teams and key stakeholders to deliver industry leadership positions:
- Collaboratively and inclusively integrate with key stakeholders in achieving key product development milestones, ensuring a commercial and sustainability lens is considered at all times.
- Timeously achieve milestones by consistently encouraging and aligning quality outputs
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, helping them grow professionally.
Amplify and embody an environment of creativity, growth, knowledge and empowerment:
- Demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to quality, setting a high standard for the team to follow.
- Understand and actively share culinary and technical product knowledge with suppliers, matrix, and PD teams.
- Self-motivated and curious to upskill and refine product and culinary knowledge.
Drive, integrate, and own product development processes and supporting systems:
- Ensure alignment and integration with the Packaging Support Specialist to ensure packaging is considered throughout the development process.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of how delicious products are developed from conceptualisation to post-launch on shelf, including production processes within our supplier base.
- Ability to create and manage critical paths collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders.
Minimum requirements
Relevant Degree/ Diploma/ Qualification in Food and Consumer Science, Chef, or Food Technology/ Science
5 years' experience in the food industry or relevant industry experience
Minimum 3-years' experience in Food product development, Retail, FMCG brand management or hospitality essential
Product Expertise in Bakery, Patisserie, and Viennoiserie
Experience of working cross functionally or within a matrix organization
Courses & experience within the field of brand management, product ranging, and development
Demonstrate strategic intent and holistic approach
Commercial Acumen
Strong collaboration and communication skills
Customer Centric
Project Management skills
Confident and Passionate Ambassador
Innovation Focused approach and keen awareness of evolving Market Trends
Retail & Related Industry Knowledge
Data Intelligence skills
Flexible with ability and willingness to travel

Skills Required