Minimum Requirements

• Relevant Degree/Diploma in Consumer Science/Food Science/Product Development
• 4 – 7 years product development experience
• Experience in product development in the protein category is essential
• Valid driver’s license
• Computer literacy – Excel, word, PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret sensory data and nutritional information.
• Experience with regulatory guidelines for food products and labeling.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Competencies

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in creating and adapting recipes based on dietary needs and trends
• Experience in training staff on new recipes and costing strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of food costing, pricing strategies, and maintaining food margins.
• Ability to calculate and adjust recipe costs for profitability without compromising quality.
• A passion for staying updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques

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
• Assist in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams including relevant internal and selected external stakeholders – pre-trial meetings and supplier briefs.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and optimize recipes for cost efficiency and scalability.
• Document development processes and findings, preparing reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and launch new products in accordance with the company processes and development criteria. Formulate and test prototypes for texture, flavor, nutritional content and ensure they meet health and regulatory standards.
• 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
• 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.
• 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