Job Description

To drive the development of new and innovative products for Pick n Pay end to end offering, as well as improve the innovation in the category that will drive the sales, increase market share thus positioning the company as the leader in the industry.
Minimum Requirements

Relevant Degree/Diploma in Consumer Science /Food Science/ Product Development

4 xe2x80x93 7 years product development experience

Experience in product development in the relevant category is essential

Knowledge of Retail Merchandise principles and proven track record of identifying and launching new categories and repositioning established ranges within specific categories
Duties & Responsibilities

Develop and effectively implement the Innovation Agenda for the product area by identifying suitable products for new and improved offers to ensure outstanding product deliverables

Make recommendations for new and improved packaging specification to ensure reduction of costs and improved functionality

Ensure that each new product and process undergoes a comprehensive and documented evaluation

Use outside influences and/or centres of excellence to help drive innovation agenda

Monitor the performance of new and improved products to take the appropriate action for non-performers and evaluate the contribution to improved customer satisfaction as well as the increased profitability of the range

Monitor and provide evidence of contribution to improved customer satisfaction and increased profitability of products

Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers

Work with suppliers according to company values; makes non-purchasing commitments to suppliers based on business goals, and follows through on these commitments

Encourage commitment and support from the supplier community and reinforces the importance of Pick n Payxe2x80x99s values, buying strategies, and corporate initiatives

Communicate regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; uses metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed goals; develops and implements contingency plans to close performance gaps

Present his/her point of view in a way that builds team membersxe2x80x99 support, using logical arguments; challenge inefficient/ ineffective work processes and offers constructive alternatives.

Analyse work errors, successes and failures in order to sets learning strategies to rectify and increase knowledge; recognise gaps in own skill set, seeks and takes advantage of learning opportunities by applying new learnt skills on the job to enhance effectiveness
Competencies

Analytical thinking

Controls Quality & Standards

Customer Orientation/Passion for Customer Influencing and Innovative

Attention to Detail

Team Orientation

Strong Communication Skills

Judgement

Commercial and Financial Acumen

Building relationships and collaborative networking

Ability to effectively plan, prioritise and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment

Problem solver who can identify any key issues in a changing environment

Team player

Driven and adaptable

Retail environment experience
Additional Information

Competency based interview to assess above requirements

Short-listed applicants may be subjected to relevant assessments

Pick n Pay