Senior Product Development Technologist- TFG Beauty at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Job Description
Key Responsibilities:

Execution of the TFG Beauty Private Label Strategy

• Contribute to and implement the TFG Beauty PL strategy within the product group.
• Manage and implement the product development and product execution sign-off processes in line within TFG Beauty Processes
• Play an active role in the development and implementation of new product
• Understand and benchmark the quality, innovation and sustainability of product. 
• Develop and implement innovation opportunities 
• Manage and implement sustainability processes within the Product Group.
• Implement TFG’s GMP compliance policies 
• Continuously assess opportunities for value engineering with clear tracking and measurement.
• Evaluate product standards and set new standards where applicable.
• Keep abreast of local and overseas raw material and new product developments
• Ensure all PL products comply with agreed local and international regulations and standards 
• Provide input into the supplier strategy and onboarding where required

Customer focus

• Analyse customer feedback through various channels to improve product quality and durability.
• Ensure all customer complaints are addressed and closed off within the required timelines.

Supplier Performance Review

• Input into post seasonal analysis to review supplier performance relevant to key metrics.
• Identify key trends and make recommendations for improvement.

People Management

• Develop, motivate, mentor and inspire Technologists and Assistant Technologists to achieve and deliver the group strategy and plans that will ensure high performance.

Supplier Management 

• Manage the beauty buying category processes during the manufacture of product. 
• Ensure manufacturing processes are in line with best practices.
• Manage the day-to-day relationships with the manufacturers to ensure that they are operating to the required technical standards.
• Manage specifications and technical packs to ensure product meets aesthetic, technical, performance & quality expectations.
• Manage the supply base in line with Group Strategy.
• Drive sustainability responsibility initiatives with Group Sustainability
• Develop and nurture relationships with suppliers.
• Identify and develop new opportunities for enterprise and supplier development.

Stakeholder Management 

• Develop and maintain a seamless relationship with key stakeholders i.e. design, buying, planning, marketing and compliance.  
• Empower the buying groups by providing product knowledge. 
• Take joint ownership of the product development with the design and buying group and ensure adherence to critical path.

Qualifications & Experience:

• BTECH /Chemistry/Engineering/Material Sciences
• 2 years Retail experience 
• 3 years Product Development experience
• 3 years Cosmetic Regulatory and Compliance Experience essential

Skills: 

• Product Development   
• Exceptional time management, being able to adhere to strict deadlines
• Strong stakeholder management and cross collaboration skills

Behaviour: 

• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
• Collaborates - effectively works with others to achieve shared goals
• Customer Focus - understands, anticipates, and meets the needs and expectations of customers
• Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Persuades - effectively influences others by gaining support and commitment in the delivery of organisational goals and objectives
• Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives