New Product Development

LANCEWOOD® is a division of Libstar Operations (Pty) Ltd and part of JSE Listed Libstar Holdings Limited. LANCEWOOD® was founded in 1996 and operates 3 production facilities based in George, Swellendam and Athlone in the Cape Region. Lancewood’s key focus is to continuously deliver superior quality products to their consumers. You will be based in the Bellville Offices in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town._

**Reporting to the Marketing Manager**, the NPD Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects within specified timelines and scope. You will co-ordinate and communicate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery. You will be the **NPD process owner** within the business to ensure a smooth roll out, implementation and execution of the process by cross-departmental stakeholders.

**Key responsibilities (but not limited to)**: - Develop comprehensive project plans for priority projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource requirements - Execute projects according to the project plan, ensuring milestones are met and objectives achieved - Ensure the commercial viability of new product development projects - Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams - Provide clear direction, set expectations, and ensure effective communication within the team - Communicate regularly with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with project goals and expectations - Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks - Monitor project budgets and allocate resources effectively - Prepare and present regular project status reports to stakeholders - Maintain accurate project documentation, including meeting minutes and project plans - Ensuring packaging and artwork is compliant to legislation - Identify product rationalisation opportunities with key stakeholders and effectively communicate outcomes with regular updates - Identify continuous improvement & cost-saving initiatives - Review the NPD process from concept to post launch review, and roll out the refined process to the business - Ensure the on-going implementation and execution of the NPD process across relevant departments.

**The role requires of you** to demonstrate proven skills and experience in delivering, managing and controlling large and complex projects on time and in full. The NPD Project Manager has to have to ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritise effectively. Engaging with multiple stakeholders including plant managers, production managers and quality persons at factory level as well as Marketing and Head Office teams, you need to build and maintain excellent relationships but also be able to influence these stakeholders effectively.

**You also need:

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- The ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve project goals
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Advanced proficiency in project management tools and software
- Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities

**To be considered**, you need a tertiary qualification in Project Management, Business Administration or related field. The experience level would be for at least 5 years in FMCG (foods environment preferred) in a project management capacity with proven experience as a Project Manager. That being said, you need a successful track record of project delivery. Furthermore, exposure to ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 will be advantageous. You will need a valid driver’s license with your own reliable transportation and you must be willing to travel for business as and when required.