Senior New Product Developer

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Our client, based in Gouda, Western Cape, is a dynamic manufacturing and innovation company specialising in innovative fruit-based products for local and international markets. With a strong focus on innovation and new product development, the Group is looking for a Senior New Product Developer to lead the creation, development and commercialisation of exciting new food products from concept to market. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: New product development and innovation. Technical documentation and raw materials. Compliance, quality and Food Safety. Cross-functional collaboration and market insight. Project and timeline management. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS: Number and value of successful new product launches against annual plan. Speed-to-market (concept-to-shelf cycle time) on assigned projects. Product trial success rate and first-time-right handover to Production. New product margin performance against concept-stage costing. Compliance pass rate on new product specifications, labelling, and food safety requirements. Quality and completeness of product specifications and technical documentation for new products. REQUIREMENTS: Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field. Minimum 8+ years’ experience in New Product Development within the FMCG manufacturing industry. Strong understanding of FMCG production processes and quality standards. Knowledge of food safety systems such as HACCP, GMP, and ISO standards. Experience with product trials, formulation, and factory implementation processes. Excellent project management and organisational skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities. Computer literacy in MS Office and product development systems. Must be willing to relocate. Experience in food and beverage FMCG products, knowledge of retailer requirements and product compliance standards and rements and experience working in high-volume manufacturing environments will be adventageous. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All recruitment procedures comply with The Protection of Personal Information No.4 of 2013. CLOSING DATE: 20 OCTOBER 2026