New Product Development Coordinator

**Main duties**:
**_ _**_Packaging and Artwork_**
- Provide an in-house graphic and packaging design facility.
- Make range extensions and refreshes existing designs to accommodate clients requirements.
- Liaise with sales representative re clients requirements for new concepts.
- Prepare artwork for all certified wines for relevant certification approvals for OWS and other contract bottlers (local and international)
- DTP of artwork in vector format for print to suppliers and sign final proofs.
- Check and approve all dry goods artwork (labels, cartons, screwcaps, etc.) for the company and overseas bottling facilities.
- Sign-off first print run on press, and first bottle on production line as final packaging approval
- Supply artwork for outer carton stickers if required.
- Re-design artwork for ease of production and / or cost reduction.
- Brief external designers on projects and be liaison between designer and sales representative / client.
- Liaise with trademark lawyers to search online for new trademarks.
- Maintain register of all new listings in new territories.

**_
Dry Goods Cost Reduction_**
- Ensure approval of all dry goods, with artwork, quotations (labels, cartons, etc.).
- Monitor designs/layout of dry goods and redesign when necessary to ensure cost effectiveness.
- Artwork finishes adjusted where necessary.
- Ensure cost of dry goods is in line with finance costing.
- Work with Procurement to ensure optimum print run sizes based on POs.
- Maintain file with all Client Specific DG requirements.
- Challenge current suppliers to remain up to date and cost effective.

**_
Dry Goods Suppliers_**
- Test and approve all new supplier products in accordance with NPD Trial Procedure and in conjunction with production department and Quality Control
- Assist Production and Procurement in solving QC issues with regards to supplier quality and service when required
- Liaise with dry goods suppliers to ensure all requirements are met

**_
New Products_**
- Manage new projects through to first production, ensuring all requirements are met.
- Supply Critical Path for all approved projects.
- Ensure that full NPD trials are completed in time for all new products, before first production, and trial records are always completed and up to date.
- Liaise with contracted designers on all NPD when needed.

**_
Quality Management System_**
- Ensure NPD procedures and documentation adhere to QMS standards as per company Compliance
- Follow QMS protocol as described by QMS procedures for trials as well as production.
- Liaise with SAWIS, DAFF & Wine Standards Board with regards to Wine Laws and mandatory Label information and any changes to legislation.

**_
People Management, Health & Safety, Housekeeping_**
- Maintains discipline and ensures adherence to company policy regarding timekeeping, work performance and behaviour, quality standards, deadlines and proper procedures.
- Ensure effective communication between management and NPD personnel.
- Supervise work of NPD employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, procedures and deadlines and correcting errors or problems.
- Provides employees with guidance in handling difficult or complex problems and in resolving escalated complaints or disputes.
- Manage staff performance according to company standards, policies and procedures.
- Conducts performance appraisals and reviews and recruit staff when necessary.
- Identifies training needs and contributes to the development of individuals.
- Ensures HACCP principles are adhered to and participates in annual HACCP training
- Adheres to company and statutory Health & Safety policies and procedures
- Works closely with the safety representative to ensure adherence to safe work practices
- Ensures housekeeping is kept in order and meets required standards and all areas of responsibility are clean and neat

**_ Qualifications & Experience_**
- 5 years experience in similar environment
- Post Matric Graphics qualification
- Introduction to Wine and South African Wine Industry, following up with further reading and research to gain a sound knowledge and understanding of all requirements and legislation pertaining to wine labels.

**_
Skills & Competencies:_**
- In depth knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and In Design.
- Sound knowledge of Wine and South African wine industry which includes:_
- SAWIS Label Legislation for Wine of Origin Scheme;
- South African Wine label requirements;
- Dept of Health Wine label Requirements;
- Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989.
- Knowledge of Labelling Requirements for South African wine intended for sale in EU (incl. UK), USA, Canada, China and African continent.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Must show initiative, be target driven and self-motivated
- Team player and hard worker
- Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines