Senior NPD Buyer (Healthcare)

Introduction

• We are looking to recruit a Senior NPD Buyer to work within our Healthcare Department. The role will be based at the Cape Town Head Office and will report to the Commercial Executive - Healthcare.
• The Senior NPD Buyer will be responsible for leading the Healthcare New Product Development (NPD) strategy and pipeline, identifying and commercialising new opportunities across private label, exclusive brands and strategic partnerships.
• The role will combine strong product development expertise with commercial leadership, category insight, supplier management and financial accountability to drive innovation, market share growth and profitability.
• The incumbent will lead the Healthcare NPD function while partnering closely with Category Management, Marketing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs and Suppliers to deliver differentiated healthcare solutions that meet customer needs and business objectives.

Job description

Job Purpose

• To define and execute the Healthcare New Product Development strategy by identifying, developing and commercialising innovative private label and exclusive brand opportunities that drive category growth, profitability and competitive differentiation.
• To provide leadership to the NPD team, manage supplier and brand relationships, deliver commercially successful product launches and ensure all products meet quality, legislative and financial requirements.

Job Objectives

Strategic Leadership & Commercial Management

• Develop and execute the Healthcare NPD strategy aligned to divisional and category objectives.
• Identify emerging market trends, consumer needs, innovation opportunities and white-space opportunities to support category growth.
• Collaborate with Category Management to translate operating and financial plans into commercially viable innovation pipelines.
• Develop business cases for new product opportunities, including financial projections, pricing strategies, margin targets and return-on-investment assessments.
• Review product, supplier and brand performance to ensure delivery against agreed financial and strategic objectives.
• Regularly analyse sales, margin, market share and innovation performance to identify opportunities and risks.
• Support the development and growth of private label and exclusive brands to enhance product differentiation and customer loyalty.
• Assume accountability for NPD budget planning, profitability targets and innovation contribution to category performance.

New Product Development & Brand Management

• Lead the end-to-end NPD process from concept generation through sourcing, development, validation and launch.
• Identify and evaluate new brand and licensing opportunities aligned to divisional strategies.
• Manage all brand-related communication including contracts, approvals, licensing agreements, royalty negotiations and brand governance.
• Oversee the development and execution of product briefs, product specifications and innovation roadmaps.
• Ensure all development projects are delivered within agreed timelines, quality standards and financial targets.
• Drive innovation through local and international sourcing activities and strategic supplier partnerships.
• Collaborate with Brand and Marketing teams to develop product positioning, packaging concepts, point-of-sale material and launch strategies.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management 

• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with local and international suppliers, manufacturers and brand partners.
• Lead commercial negotiations relating to product costs, trading terms, promotional support and supplier agreements.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and performance to ensure optimal service, innovation and value delivery.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders including Category Management, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain and Finance.
• Represent the Healthcare innovation agenda within cross-functional business forums.

Quality, Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure all Healthcare product developments comply with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and internal approval processes.
• Maintain accountability for product quality, safety and compliance standards across all new product launches.
• Manage risk throughout the product development lifecycle to protect the reputation and commercial interests of the business.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, governance standards and quality assurance requirements.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop the NPD Buyer and broader innovation team.
• Establish clear objectives, monitor performance and support career development.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Share knowledge and best practices to strengthen commercial awareness and product development capability across the department.

Job related knowledge

• New Product Development methodologies and processes.
• Healthcare and FMCG market trends.
• Consumer behaviour and competitor analysis.
• Category management principles.
• Financial planning, budgeting and margin management.
• Trading terms and supplier negotiations.
• Private label development and brand strategy.
• Product legislation and regulatory compliance.
• Consumer Protection Act and relevant healthcare regulations.

Job related skills

• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Strategic thinking and business planning.
• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills.
• Product innovation and concept development.
• Project and programme management.
• Supplier relationship management.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Presentation and communication skills.
• Leadership and coaching capability.
• Advanced Excel, PowerPoint and business reporting skills.

Essential

• 3-5 years' experience in Product Development, Buying, Category Management or Healthcare Retail.
• Extensive experience managing end-to-end new product development projects.
• Experience sourcing and negotiating with local and international suppliers.
• Demonstrated commercial accountability for sales, margin, pricing and profitability.
• 2-3 years' people management experience.
• Experience within Healthcare

Desirable

• Experience managing private label or exclusive brand portfolios.
• Experience negotiating licensing agreements and managing brand partnerships.

Education

Essential

• Degree or Diploma in Product Development, Purchasing Management, Retail Management, Pharmacy or a related commercial discipline.

Desirable

• Advanced qualification in Business, Marketing or Supply Chain Management.
• Project Management qualification.