New Product Development Assistant (FMCG Food)

Fantastic career opportunity to join this leading FMCG Food company.

Purpose of the role:

To assist and provide support in the management and execution of projects to enable a successful and on time launch.

To assist with the interpretation of customer and market needs, trends and innovations and translate them into successful product launches or upgrades.

To collate, store and accurately capture information required in the various project steps, ensuring all aspects of the project are dully attended to and completed correctly and on time.

Key Performance Areas:

· Assisting with management of critical path timelines to launch timeously

· Assisting with ranges and product reviews

· Managing samples and set up for range and product reviews or recipe development

· Setting up benchmarking sessions, assisting with comp shops

· Accurately capturing and storing of all relevant information related to new projects

· Administrative duties as required

Key Functions

· Assist with product launches

· Assisting with the execution of range reviews and gap analysis

· Working closely with internal departments, team members, customers and suppliers in meeting all goals and milestones in the critical path

· Input into category strategies

· Assist with market and customer trend analysis

· Assist with the monitoring of product quality and standards

· Input into post implementation reviews

· Development of good relationships with customer and suppliers

Knowledge:

· Successful & timeous launch to project commitment in each fiscal year

· Meeting project deadlines and launch dates

· Achievement of targeted number of new product launches aligned to strategic & commercial plan for the fiscal

· Product legal compliance

· Accuracy of detailed information for launch, including artwork

· Basic understanding of sales

Skills and Attitude

· Relevant Degree or Diploma in Food Preparation/ Marketing / Consumer Science combined with a minimum of 12 months experience within a Food Manufacturing/Food retail or FMCG environment.

· Understanding of foods, trends and customer segmentation and shopper behavior.

· Knowledge and understanding of the food business globally

· Understanding of food manufacturing and production

· Planning and project management skills

· Computer literate and being proficient in MS Office.

· Advanced skills in MS PowerPoint are required.

· Excellent command of English, good communication and presentation skills

· Excellent administrative skills

· Knowledge of technical processes, principles and label legislation is advantageous.

· Knowledge of customer technical requirements and processes advantageous

Please attach CV in Word Format