New Product Developer

Minimum Requirements Grade 12 – Matric or a Senior Certificate Degree in BSc Food Science, Biochemistry or similar field or BCom in Product management /development/ procurement or relevant qualification Minimum of 3 - 5 years’ experience in product development in a retail industry Advantage Honours or Post graduate qualification Job Specification Develop Product Strategy Develop new products and services intended to assist the group in building relationships with under serviced markets. Deliver product development projects on specification on time, of a high quality and at target cost in collaboration with all relevant departments. Monitor market trends and information to identify potential areas for the development of new products and the restructuring of existing products. Keep abreast of market trends, product positioning, successes, and competition and recommend appropriate actions for the group based on analysis. Assess customer needs and requirements for defined segments and target accordingly. Propose practical solutions based on research and background knowledge of the latest developments in the fields of Health, Beauty and FMCG markets. Monitor development process and ensure compliance to schedule. New Product Development Benchmarking against competitors to stay relevant and competitive in the market. Conduct formula research, development, and validation. Run regulatory checks and approvals. Source new suppliers/manufacturers that comply with our GMP, ESG and EPR requirements. Completion of product briefs and tendering to house brand manufacturers for cost assessment. Quote evaluation, negotiation (where applicable), and approvals. Perform product trials and sampling (where applicable). Label compilation and briefing to designers. Label design reviews, revisions, and sign-offs (both internally and with suppliers). Print proof review and sign-off before printing. Listing new article on the portal. Request renders/pack shots from designers for online. Product Enhancement & Performance Deliver improvements to existing products/packaging, by optimisation of available material usage and cost saving initiatives. Take new and modified products from concept to implementation across all lines of business for the target market. Ensure product compliance of product development in terms of product requirements, specifications, production timetables and pricing. Maintain a strong focus on Private Label (PL), exclusive and In-House brands development. Report on Return On Investment bi-annually. Monitor and measure new and enhanced products throughout the development pipeline. Produce financial analyses and projections for all products in order to derive profitable decisions based on Return On Investment and total project costs. Product Compliance Ensure house brands remain compliant in line with applicable legislation and Dis-Chem’s internal quality standard operating procedures through a risk-based approach (this includes ESG and EPR requirements). Ensure packaging and formulas comply with regulations. Conduct manufacturer site visits and ensure that all current manufacturers/suppliers comply with our minimum GMP requirements. Feeback from supplier visits to be documents and shared with TC manager and category manager/buyer. Audit potential new manufacturers for house brands before awarding new business to ensure they comply with our standards. Communicate regulatory developments or changes to category managers promptly. Maintain regulatory developments included in the Technical Compliance monthly report. Ensure that all product labels are signed off by the Technical Compliance officer prior to print. Conduct regulatory compliance checks and sign-offs of advertisements. Provide Technical/Regulatory support for new product listings. Online Content Drive design of renders and maintain a complete repository of all renders. Provide renders and content (ingredients, directions for use, etc.) to the relevant team/department that is required for each online product. Ensure that old renders are updated on the Dis-Chem online store as new artwork gets phased in, as well as content updates (where applicable). Ensure that new product launches are briefed to the Dis-Chem online store to be added onto the store once the product is available for sale. Reporting & Deliverables Bi - monthly NPD meetings with category buyers. Prepare monthly NPD progress evaluations with the category managers/executives. Prepare monthly NPD progress reports sent to respective Managers/Executives via the Technical monthly update report. Conduct NPD weekly meetings with Technical Manager. Stakeholder Relationships Forge positive working relationships with key external partners and stakeholders (suppliers, packagers and manufacturers). Discuss and develop future opportunities with new and existing business partners as appropriate. Negotiate with product providers around pricing structures and contractual terms. Reach specified targets agreed upon with investors. Liaise with foreign vendors. Content for Marketing Material & Sales Enablement Tools Compile product fact sheets for selected house brand. Assist with write-ups where required (e.g. Broadsheets, Living Fit Magazine, etc.) Competencies Essential Sound knowledge of Intercoms 2020 Understanding of regulatory requirements Keep abreast of updated government gazettes and regulatory bodies Review and understand regulatory labelling requirements Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software Cognitive Skills & enthusiasm Business Orientated and Business writing skills Communication skills Interpersonal skills Quality orientation Special Conditions of Employment South African citizen MIE, clear criminal and credit Driver’s license and own reliable transport Occasional travelling Remuneration & Benefits Market related salary Medical aid Provident fund Staff account ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED. IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN CONTACTED WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION AS UNSUCCESSFUL. Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer. Dis-Chem’s approved Employment Equity Plan and targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to Dis-Chem’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. Dis-Chem actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr