Job Description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
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 in collaboration with Commercial and vendor partners.
Specialization in the Canned & Packages category is essential.
Minimum Requirements
Relevant Degree/Diploma in Consumer Science/Food Science/Product Development
4 - 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
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
Key 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
Develop and launch new products in accordance with the company processes and development criteria
Defined product development process is followed, including products sign offs and Commerical alignment
Ensure the successful launch of all new products, both regionally and nationally within the stipulated launch periods.
Enable factory trials / first packing, production at the suppliers with Food Technologists
Keep abreast of competitor activities, topical issues, current events, food industry, trends and technology
Ensure packaging process is followed, and awareness of sustainability targets
Make recommendations for new attractive on shelf and improved packaging specification to ensure reduction of costs and improved functionality and customers acceptance
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 sales and profitability of products
Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers
Work with suppliers according to company values.
Communicate regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; uses metrics to identify performance gaps.
Develops and implements contingency plans to close development gaps
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.
Specialization in the Canned & Packages category is essential.
Closing date: 14 July 2025
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
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