Product Developer

This position will be based in our Food Lovers Head Office in Brackenfell, Cape Town and will report directly to the Product Development Manager: House Brand Development. KEY RESPONSIBILTIES Keep abreast of, and research new concepts, trends, market activity and innovation within the industry Develop successful, commercially viable products that are sustainable and in line with the trends and intended target market Project manage and execute all stages of the product development process Ensure product compliancy across the various country regulations on product and packaging Manage sustainable sourcing of new raw materials and packaging from compliant suppliers Creation and/or updating and maintenance of raw material, packaging, in-process and finished product specifications. Review of technical supplier documentation on new suppliers / raw materials required in new developments. Liaise with suppliers on Food Lovers requirements. On-going review of labels and specifications (final product and in process specifications) Attending factory trials on new lines. Review of product labels for legislative and customer compliance. Must have a strong capability to research and interpret legislation for multiple markets and multiple categories e.g. cheese, meat, dairy. Technical support to other departments: Buyers, Food Safety ect Support in the meticulous execution of the Development Process by following procedures. Ensure product detail on internal system, in departments and on shared drive are all accurate and product is as per customer requirement. Support in the execution of shelf-life testing as set out in the shelf-life schedule. PERSON SPEC Ability to work in a pressurized environment Passionate about people Excellent organizational skills Able to work in a team and independently Excellent communication skills Ability to multitask Great Time Management skills. Dynamic & quick thinking. Solution-orientated. Great attention to detail. Optimistic & positive outlook. Passionate foodie. Computer literacy (MS Office) and Fluency in Excel- intermediate level Excellent verbal and written communication in English Strong administrative and analytical ability. Strong project management and coordination skill. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Either the below degree or equivalent of the below and 2- 4 years experience: Food Technology/ Consumer Science Bsc Food Science OR 5- 10 years experience within a similar role Advantageous experience in: Project Management Product Development