Product Development Manager - Kenilworth at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

Job Summary 

To drive the development of new and innovative products for the Pick n Pay end to end offering, including branded, own brand and confined label products. To improve the innovation in the category that will drive the sales, increase market share thus positioning the company as the leader in the industry. To lead and manage the day to day working of the product team in the category. To manage and drive the product strategy end – to – end for the broader category to ensure key growth and deliverables. To ensure on time launches and products that meet a high standard. To hold the design look and feel and deliverables on packaging to ensure that the category shopping experience is delivered with excitement appeal per customer segment.

Requirements

• Relevant degree/diploma In Food Science/Consumer Science/Product Development
• 5-8 years’ product development experience in merchandise categories
• 2-4 years’ experience of leading / managing a team of product developers
• Proven track record and broad experience in launching products in a FMCG environment
• Strong industry knowledge and good understanding of Retail principles

Competencies:

• Team leader with good communication skills            
• Innovation and Problem solving
• Building relationships and collaboration                    
• Commercial acumen with analytical thinking skills
• Sense of urgency, Driven and Resilient                       
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Influencing via functional authority                            
• Planning and Organising
• Conflict management                                                  
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to work within a matrix and lead and drive cross group projects
• Proven ability to work with design team to ensure appropriate visual imagery is developed within the corporate brand identity

Attributes

• Ability to apply and drive the broader business product strategy into the team deliverables that will drive a consolidated launch approach
• Integration at senior and operational levels with all the various role players, buyers, planners, packaging team and technical to ensure KPI’s are met
• Develops and effectively implement the Innovation Agenda for the product area
• Identifies suitable products or variations and raw materials for new and improved products to ensure excellent flavour
• Assists the product developer in new and improved packaging formats and specification to ensure reduction of costs and improved functionality
• 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
• Leads and influences team members in the development of action plans and milestones required and drive excellence in product deliverables to gain market share and customer buy in.
• Conducts analysis of supplier KPI’s to identity areas for improvement and collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to improve performance
• Collaborates with supplier on production management to ensure targets for availability are met
• Ensure critical path adherence will supplier to drive on time launches
• Develops and maintain relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers
• Understands the complex product world where there is critical need to redevelop products when needed with confidence
• Ensures that the correct product plan is in place for new launches

Closing Date:

5th December 2023