NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Product Development:

• Lead the development of new products, ensuring innovation aligns with market trends and consumer preferences.
• Conceptualize and test new product ideas from ideation through to commercialization.
• Oversee the formulation of prototypes, ensuring product quality and compliance with food safety standards.
• Conduct regular consumer taste testing and gather feedback to refine product offerings.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (marketing, production, quality control) to integrate consumer insights into product design.

Research and Innovation:

• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitors’ products to keep company’s products at the forefront of innovation.
• Explore alternative ingredients, technologies, and processes to enhance product offerings.
• Evaluate the feasibility of product ideas by conducting sensory evaluations, cost analyses, and shelf-life tests.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with the production team to ensure smooth transitions from prototype to scale-up production.
• Maintain effective communication with suppliers, vendors, and external stakeholders regarding new ingredient sourcing and development processes.
• Work closely with the marketing department to ensure the positioning of new products aligns with brand identity and target market needs.
• Provide technical support to the sales and marketing teams by explaining product development processes, ingredients, and benefits.

Quality Control & Compliance:

• Ensure that new products meet quality standards and comply with local and international food regulations.
• Document and maintain all product development processes, including ingredient sourcing, testing, and formulation adjustments.
• Oversee testing for shelf life, product consistency, and packaging compatibility to ensure consumer safety and satisfaction.

Process Improvement & Cost Management:

• Identify areas for improvement within the product development process to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Provide recommendations on cost-effective solutions for the development of high-quality products.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure products can be efficiently manufactured without compromising on quality.

Training & Knowledge Sharing:

• Mentor junior R&D staff and provide ongoing training to ensure up-to-date knowledge of food science and product development techniques.
• Share new product insights, industry trends, and innovations with the broader team.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Prepare regular reports on the progress of new product development initiatives, including timelines, cost projections, and potential risks.
• Maintain accurate records of research, product trials, and developmental changes in compliance with company policies.

KEY REQUIREMENT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION

• Degree/Diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field
• Proven experience in product development in the food and beverage sector, specifically in a manufacturing environment
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and innovate independently.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, quality control processes, and industry standards.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate across departments.

HOW TO APPLY

• If you meet the above qualifications, skills and experience press the Apply button.
• Interviews will be carried out on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

APPLY