Head of Product Development

SUMMARY:
Product Development Manager

POSITION INFO:
Qualification

• Matric / Senior Certificate
• Relevant Tertiary Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in product sourcing or development, specifically dealing with international suppliers.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing products from China.
• Proven leadership experience managing or building a team.
• Strong understanding of import processes, costing, and global supply chains.
• Experience in homeware, kitchenware, or related product categories highly advantageous.
• International travel may be required up to three times per year for supplier visits, product development, and sourcing initiatives
• Negotiation and supplier management skills
• Commercial and analytical mind-set
• Project management expertise
• High attention to detail
• Excellent communication and leadership ability
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strategic thinking with operational execution capability

• Lead the end-to-end development, sourcing, and delivery of the product ranges.
• Responsible for managing the full product lifecycle, from international sourcing and supplier negotiation to packaging, quality control, and retail readiness 
• Oversee both international branded ranges and proprietary house brands ensuring that all products meet quality, cost, and market requirements.
• Ensures that product ranges are relevant, commercially viable, and delivered efficiently - directly impacting profitability, brand strength, and customer satisfaction.