THE JOB AT A GLANCE
 

You will be responsible for the successfully development of good quality, sustainable, and cost effective products that are informed by a clear NPD brief. You will be expected to deliver on tasks on multiple project work streams within confined timelines, taking the lead role for supplier interface within the business/category, supporting and occasionally standing in for the NPD Manager to prioritise and drive projects to completion.
 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE
 

Key attributes and competencies

Technical Knowledge – knowledge of the science behind developing a new product. Subject matter expertise requiredTeam work– ability to work well within your team and with other disciplines internally and externallyAnalytical and problem-solving skills;. Systematic problem solving and ability to summarize, share and implement learningsDecision Making: - Ability to review experimental outcomes and decide on best option forward based on information receivedTime management and organisational skills – ability to prioritise, especially when handling multiple projectsCommunication:  Ability to conduct presentations to external parties such as customers and suppliers

Experience

ND, BSc, BTech in Food Science, Food Technology Biochemistry or Chemistry6 – 8 years’ Experience in Product development within an FMCG environment

 

#LI-CD1

WHAT YOU WILL DO
 

Work with suppliers to develop and source new raw materials that are specifically suited to the product ensuring that the raw materials have the necessary Certifications (Halaal / Kosher etc.)Play a strong role in external customer interfaceProvide Category Marketing with all key information necessary for designing consumer product research Develop formulations based on product concepts provided by Category Brand teams with claims and regulatory restrictions in mind and make a prototype of the productCalculate NI’s and GDA’s and ensure back panel of packaging is correctDetermine plant requirements and aid with capex (capability) requirementsDraw up development recipes and submit to Finance for approval, after which ensure all recipe data is loaded into our R&D systemConduct ambient and accelerated shelf-life testsSend samples for micro testing and for independent lab testing to ensure claims can be metCorrect and timeous completion of documentation and ensure it is filed correctly (Raw MaterialCirculation form, Trial request, trial report etc.)Conduct pre-trial meetings with the unit and thereafter conduct online trials to determine capability of the plant. Ensure that the prototype developed is able to run online.HACCP studies – communicate any sensitive raw materials / changes to the plant or processesInterface strongly with Supply Chain to prioritize and execute CI and process optimization projectsIdentify opportunities for the substitution of new raw materials in current productsWork with outsourced manufacturers for 3rd party projectsEmploy sustainable design techniques in the development of new products (e.g. life cycle design, design for recycling, reduced waste, etc.)
 

WHAT YOU WILL BE MEASURED ON
 

Time to deliver technical projectSuccessful execution of NPD BriefsNumber of new concepts adoptedDocumentation managementSavings from Sustainability projectsAbility to plan and conduct competitor benchmarks